Born on 3 February 1963 in Rome
Education and degrees
2004-05
Columbia University Music Department (New York)
Visiting Scholar (Fulbright Fellow)
Thesis: Timbre Texture as Formal Determinant of Composition
(supervisor Prof. Tristan Murail)
2000
École pratique des hautes études en Sorbonne, Paris (France)
Ph.D. (Doctorate) in Musicology
Dissertation: Le style orchestral d’Ernest Chausson
(supervisor Prof. François Lesure)
1999
State exam: qualification to teach Harmony, Counterpoint, Fugue and Composition
in Italian Conservatories
1996-97
Annual computer music courses at IRCAM, Paris
(main supervisor Prof. Tristan Murail)
1994
State exam: qualification to teach Music History in Italian Conservatoires
1993-96
Composition studies with Gérard Grisey in Paris
1992
State exam: qualification as Conservatoire Librarian
1991
University of Paris I-Sorbonne
Diplôme d'Études Approfondies (D.E.A.) in Aesthetics
1988-89
Corsi Internazionali di Città di Castello (Perugia)
Composition seminars with Salvatore Sciarrino
1987
University of Rome, Laurea in Humanities, cum laude
Thesis in Music History: La scrittura orchestrale di Bruno Maderna
(dissertation supervisor Prof. Pierluigi Petrobelli)
1987
Conservatorio Santa Cecilia, Rome, Diploma in Composition
1987
Conservatorio Santa Cecilia, Rome, Diploma in Computer Music
1981-85
Scuola di Musica di Fiesole (Florence) Composition seminars with Sylvano Bussotti
Honours and Grants
2021
Artistic Director of the Biennale Musica in Venice (2021-2024)
2021
Invited professor at the Darmstädter Ferienkurse
2020-21
Visiting Professor at the Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Frankfurt
2020
Award for best music at the "Arte Non Stop Festival" di Buenos Aires for Rivale Opera-Film, directed by Giulio Boato.
2020
Composer-in-residence, Mole antonelliana, Amici della Musica di Ancona
2019
Commande de l’Etat-French Ministry of Culture for Sangu di rosa
2019
Aventis Foundation support for Inferno
2018
Ernst von Siemens Musikstiftung Composition Commission for Inferno
2017
Inedia prodigiosa as one of the 10 best opera productions in 2017 (GDM)
2017
Grant of the SACEM (Commission Jeune Public) for Les Aventures de Pinocchio
2016
Commande de l’Etat-French Ministry of Culture for Les Aventures de Pinocchio
2016
Composer-in-residence, Villa Concordia, Bamberg
2016
Deutscher Theaterpreis "Der Faust" for Achim Freyer in the category set and costumes
for Esame di mezzanotte
2015
Esame di mezzanotte best opera production in Germany (Opernwelt 2015)
2013
Composer-in-residence, Schloss Werdenberg (CH)
2013
Künstlerinnenpreis, Heidelberg
2008
Music Theatre Now Prize (International Theatre Institute)
2006
Composer-in-residence, Yaddo, New York
2006
Prize Fonds Experimentelles Musiktheater NRW
2005
Composer in residence, Berliner Künstlerprogramm
D.A.A.D. (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)
2005
Columbia University Music Department (New York)
Visiting Scholar (Fulbright Fellow)
2003
Composer-in-residence, Staatsoper Stuttgart (Forum Neues Musiktheater)
2003
Composer-in-residence, The MacDowell Colony, Peterborough, NH (USA)
2000
Composer-in-residence, Akademie Schloss Solitude, Stuttgart
2000
Composition Prize, Federazione Cemat (Rome)
1997
Fellowship, Fondation des Treilles (Paris)
1997
Dimitri Mitroupoulos International Composition Prize, Athens
1997
Erato-Farnesina Fellowship for a six-month residence in Paris
Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
1995
“Progetto Dionysos” Composition Prize Italian Ministry of Culture
1993
Composer-in-residence Fondation Nadia Boulanger, Paris
1988-92
Doctoral Studies Fellowship Italian Ministry of University and Scientific Research
Premieres (music theatre projects)
Les Paroles Gelées, choral opera, 2022, Nouvelle Philharmonie, Paris
Inferno, opera, 2021, Oper Frankfurt
Pinocchios Abenteuer, chamber opera, 2021, Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin
Das Fliegende Klassenzimmer, opera, 2021, Deutsche Oper am Rhein, Düsseldorf
Pinocchios Abenteuer, chamber opera (new production), 2021, Oper Frankfurt
Florilegium, drammaturgia, 2020, Teatro San Carlo di Napoli
Never Bet The Devil Your Head, drammaturgia, Wittener Tage für Neue Kammermusik 2020
Sangu di rosa, drammaturgia, 2020, Montreuil, France
Cartilago auris, magna et irregulariter formata, drammaturgia, 2019, Kölner Philharmonie
Le avventure di Pinocchio, chamber opera (new production), 2019, Teatro Lauro Rossi, Macerata
The Pirate Who Does Not Know the Value of Pi, chamber opera, 2019, Biennale Musica, Venezia
Speranze fuggite, sparite da me, drammaturgia, 2019, Kölner Philharmonie
Inedia prodigiosa, choral opera (new production), 2019, Nouvelle Philharmonie Paris
Proposopeia, choral opera (new version 2017), 2018, Stephankirche, Bamberg
Le avventure di Pinocchio, chamber opera (premiere of the italian version), 2018, Opera di Roma/Festival Romaeuropa
Rivale, chamber opera, 2017, Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin
Mise en Abyme, chamber opera (new production), 2017, Tiroler Festspiele Erl
Les aventures de Pinocchio, chamber opera, 2017, Opera de Rouen/Nouvelle Philharmonie, Paris
Forward and downward, turning neither to the left nor to the right, action concert piece, 2017, Accademia Filarmonica Romana
Tanz.Raum, theater music for Achim Freyer, 2016, Berliner Ensemble
Aria da baule, drammaturgia, 2016, Nationaltheater Mannheim
Lascia ch’io pianga, action concert piece, 2016, Theaterhaus, Stuttgart
Fiore di campo, radio-play, 2016, Deutschlandradio Kultur
Inedia prodigiosa, choral opera, 2016, Teatro Massimo, Palermo
Esame di mezzanotte, opera, 2015, Nationaltheater Mannheim
Lacus timoris, drammaturgia, 2015, Nationaltheater Mannheim
Mise en Abyme, chamber opera, 2015, Semperoper Dresden
Lezioni di tenebra, chamber opera (new production), 2014, Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin
Anatra al sal, action concert piece, 2014, Romaeuropa festival, Roma
Forward and downward, turning neither to the left nor to the right, action concert piece, 2014, Theater Rigiblick, Zürich
Le Palais du silence, drammaturgia, 2013, Festival d’Automne à Paris
Sub-Plot, chamber opera, 2013, Semperoper Dresden
Helicopters and Butterflies, action concert piece, 2012, Festival d’Automne à Paris
Contrascena, chamber opera, 2012, Semperoper Dresden
Neumond, chamber opera, 2012, Nationaltheater Mannheim
Ravel Unravel, action concert piece, 2012, Amici della musica, Ancona
Last desire, chamber opera (new production), 2011, Staatsoper Unter der Linden, Berlin
3e32 Naufragio di terra, choral opera, Società Aquilana dei Concerti B. Barattelli, L'Aquila
Sei Personaggi in cerca di autore, action concert piece, 2011, Rai Nuova Musica, Torino
Narrenschiffe, choral opera, 2010, Bayerische Staatsoper, Munich
Sebenza e-mine, radio play, 2010, Deutschlandradio Kultur
Lezioni di tenebra, chamber opera, 2010, Konzerthaus, Berlin
Proposopeia, choral opera, 2010, Kasseler Musiktage, Kassel
Albertine, action concert piece, 2009, MaerzMusik, Berlin
Der Sonne entgegen, chamber opera (new production) 2008, MaerzMusik, Berlin
Xylocopa violacea, action concert piece, 2007, Festival Ultraschall, Berlin
Il Castello di Atlante, Radio Play, 2007, Deutschlandradio Kultur
Der Sonne entgegen, chamber opera, first production 2007, Musiktheater im Revier, Gelsenkirchen
Hamlet's Mill, action concert piece, 2007, Musik der Jahrhunderte, Stuttgart
Pinocchio, una storia parallela, drammaturgia, 2005, Festival Ultraschall, Berlin
Last desire, chamber opera, 2004, Staatsoper Stuttgart
Hombre de mucha gravedad, drammaturgia, 2002, Musik der Jahrhunderte, Stuttgart
L'ape apatica, chamber opera, 2002, Teatro La Fenice, Venezia
Commissions
2022
Louwrens Langevoort, Philharmonie Cologne
2021
Heike Hoffmann-Schwetzinger Festspiel/Ina Karr-Luzerner Theater
2020
Christoph Meyer-Deutsche Oper am Rhein, Düsseldorf
2019
Catherine Simonpietri-Ensemble Sequenza 9.3, Paris
Laurent Bayle-Nouvelle Philharmonie, Paris
Christine Fischer-Musik der Jahrhunderte, Stuttgart
2018
Ivan Fedele-Biennale Musica, Venezia
Louwrens Langevoort-Philharmonie Cologne
2017 Bernd Loebe-Oper Frankfurt
Jürgen Flimm-Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin
2016
Claus Peymann, Berliner Ensemble
Christine Fischer-Musik der Jahrhunderte, Stuttgart
Klaus-Peter Kehr-Nationaltheater Mannheim
2015
Hervé Boutry-Ensemble Intercontemporain, Paris
Marcus Gammel-Deutschland Radio Kultur, Berlin
Giorgio Battistelli-Orchestra Regionale Toscana, Firenze
Oscar Pizzo-Teatro Massimo, Palermo
2014
Jens Schubbe- Collegium Novum, Zürich
Mirella Weingarten-Schlossmediale Werdenberg
Klaus-Peter Kehr-Nationaltheater Mannheim
Eytan Pessen-Semperoper, Dresden
2013
Josephine Markovits- Festival d’automne à Paris
Hervé Boutry-Ensemble Intercontemporain, Paris
Christine Fischer-Neue Vocalsolisten, Stuttgart
Eytan Pessen-Semperoper, Dresden
Guido Barbieri-Amici della musica, Ancona
2012
Eytan Pessen-Semperoper, Dresden
Josephine Markovits- Festival d’automne à Paris
Giorgio Battistelli-Società Aquilana dei Concerti "B. Barattelli", L’Aquila
2011
Klaus-Peter Kehr-Nationaltheater Mannheim
Michele Dall’Ongaro-Rai Nuova Musica-Orchestra Rai, Torino
Giorgio Battistelli- Orchestra Regionale Toscana, Firenze
2010
Jens Schubbe-Konzerthaus, Berlin
Eckhard Manz-Musikbüro der Martinskirche, Kassel
2009
Florian Scholz-Bayerische Staatsoper, München
Marcus Gammel-Deutschland Radio Kultur, Berlin
Jean-Baptiste Joly- Akademie Schloss Solitude, Stuttgart
2008
Roland Diry-Ensemble Modern/Jens Cording-Siemens Arts Program
Detlef Heusinger -Experimentalstudio für akustische Kunst e.V., Freiburg
Ingrid Beirer-Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, Berlin
2007
Bernard Cavanna-Commande d’État/Ensemble 2E2M, Paris
Matthias Osterwold-MaerzMusik, Berlin
Christine Fischer-Neue Vocalsolisten, Stuttgart
2006
Christian Esch-NRW KULTURsekretariat / Hans-Joachim Wagner -Kunststiftung NRW
Joachim Maier -Musik der Jahrhunderte, Stuttgart
Goetz Naleppa-Deutschland Radio, Berlin
Folkmar Hein-Elektronisches Studio der TU, Berlin
2005
Lucas Fels-Ensemble Recherche, Freiburg
Peter Heilker -Bayerische Staatsoper, München
Jeffrey Bossin -Kulturveranstaltungen des Bundes, Berlin
Rainer Pöllman-Festival Ultrashall, Berlin
2004
Daniele Spini, Orchestra Rai, Torino
Folkmar Hein- Elektronisches Studio der Technischen Universität, Berlin
2003
André Richard-Experimental Studio of the SWR, Freiburg
Klaus Zehelein-Staatsoper Stuttgart (Forum Neues Musiktheater), Stuttgart
2002
Christine Fischer-Arditti Quartett /Neue Vocalsolisten, Stuttgart
Bernard Cavanna-Conservatorire Gennevilliers-Comande de l’Etat, Paris
2001
Harry Vogt-WDR Sinfonieorchester, Köln
Massimo Contiero-Teatro Sociale di Rovigo/Teatro La Fenice, Venice
2000
Philip Hurel-Commande d’État, Ensemble Court-Circuit, Paris
Harry Vogt-Wittener Tagen, Witten
Thomas Kessler-Elektronisches Studio, Musik-Akademie, Basel
1999
Monique Veaute- Festival Romaeuropa, Roma
1998
Pinotto Fava-Rai Radio Tre, Roma
Daniel Teruggi-G. R. M., Radio France, Paris
1997
Joëlle Leandre-Commande de l’État, Paris
1995
David Jisse-Studio Muse en Circuit, Paris
Luigi Pestalozza-Musica/Realtà, Milano
1994
René Bosc-Radio France, Paris
Luciano Berio-Orchestra Regionale Toscana, Firenze
1993
Hans Werner Henze-Münchener Biennale, München
Pinotto Fava- Rai Radio Tre, Roma
Artistic direction
1991-1995
Artistic direction of the multidisciplinary Festival Animato in Rome at the art space Sala 1, in collaboration with its curator-director Mary Angela Schroth
2021-2024
Artistic director of the Biennale Musica in Venice
Teaching
Conservatorio di Musica di Salerno
Professor of Harmony, Counterpoint, Fugue and Composition (tenured position)
Seminars and conference participations
Frankfurt Oper, 2021; Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Frankfurt am Main, 2021;Ferienkurse Darmstadt, 2021; Beethoven Foundation, Bonn, 2020; Frankfurt Oper, 2020; Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Frankfurt am Main, 2020; Macro, Roma, 2019; Deutsche Oper, Berlin, 2019; Biennale Musica, Venezia, 2019; Kölner Philharmonie, 2019; Università degli studi, Macerata, 2019; Accademia di Belle Arti, Macerata, 2019; Hochschule für Musik Freiburg, 2019; San Marino International Music Summer Courses, 2019; Opera di Roma, 2018; Liceo Tasso, Roma, 2018; Rennes-Opéra, 2018; Angers-Grand Théâtre, 2018;Ferienkurse Darmstadt, 2018; Biennale Musica-College, Venezia,2018; Staatstheater Braunschweig, 2017; Musikalische Kompetenzzentrum Sachsen-Anhalt /Konservatorium Georg Philipp Telemann, Magdeburg, 2017; Ircam, Paris, 2017; Institut für Musikwissenschaft Universität Bern, 2017; Institut für Musikwissenschaft GoetheUniversität, Frankfurt, 2016; Ferienkurse Darmstadt, 2016; Teatro Massimo, Palermo, 2016; Classwork Ensemble Recherche, Freiburg, 2016; Villa Medici, Roma, 2016; DAAD, Berlin, 2016; Classwork Ensemble Recherche, Freiburg, 2015; Hochschule für Musik und darstellende Kunst, Mannheim, 2015; Semperoper, Dresden, 2015; Cultural Italian Institute, Berlin, 2015; Nationaltheater Mannheim, 2015; Istituto germanico, Roma, 2015; Festival Nuova Consonanza, Roma, 2015; Conservatorio Santa Cecilia, Roma, 2014; Schloss Werdenberg (CH), 2014; Theater Heidelberg, 2014;Universität für Musik und Darstellende Kunst, Graz, 2014; Zürcher Hochschule der Künste, Zürich, 2014; Nuova consonanza, Roma, 2013; Berliner Künstlerprogramms des DAAD, Berlin, 2013; Hochschule für Gestaltung Karlsruhe, 2013; Teatro di San Carlo, Napoli, 2013; Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi, Torino, 2013; Ca' Giustinian, Biennale, Venezia, 2013; Accademia Chigiana, Siena, 2013; Villa Romana, Firenze, 2013; Ca' Giustinian, Biennale di Venezia, 2013; Royal College of Music, Stockholm 2013; Teatro Sperimentale, Ancona,2013; Accademia Filarmonica Romana, Roma 2013; Conservatoire National supérieur de musique et danse, Paris, 2012; Kulturhaus Loschwitz, Dresden 2012; Amphithéatre Opera Bastille, Paris, 2012; Parco della Musica, Roma, 2012; Nationaltheater Mannheim, 2012; Semperoper, Dresden, 2012; Konzerthaus, Berlin, 2011; Conservatorio Superior de Musica “Astor Piazzolla”, Buenos Aires 2011; St. Ursula Gymnasium, NRW Kultur Sekretariat, Aachen 2011; Chorforum Essen, NRW Kultur Sekretariat, 2011; Volksbühne, Berlin 2010; Bayerische Staatsoper, München 2010; Conservatoire Supérieur de Musique, Paris 2010; Festival Arcana, St.Gallen, 2010; Goethe on Main Institute, Johannesburg 2010; Musik der Jahrhunderte, Stuttgart 2009; Goethe Institut Johannesburg 2009; Konzerthaus, Berlin 2009; Akademie Schloss Solitude, Stuttgart 2009; Conservatoire Régional de Musique, Paris 2009; Music Theatre Now (International Theatre Institute), Berlin 2008; Hochschule der Künste of Zurich (ZHdK) 2007; Musiktheater in Revier, Gelsenkirchen, 2007; Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler, Berlin 2006; Elektronisches Studio der Technischen Universität, Berlin 2006; DAAD, Berlin 2005; Temple University, Philadelphia, 2005; Yaddo, New York 2006; Experimentalstudio für akustische Kunst e.V., Freiburg 2005; Columbia University Music Department, New York 2005; Ferienkurse Darmstadt 2004; Staatsoper Stuttgart (Forum Neues Musiktheater) 2003; The MacDowell Colony, Peterborough 2003; Teatro La Fenice, Venezia 2002; Ile de france opéra et ballet, Paris 2001; Université de la Sorbonne, Paris IV, 1998; Council of Europe, Budapest 1994; IRCAM, Paris 1996
Original compositions
Published by Lemoine (Paris), Edipan (Roma), B.M.G., Ricordi (Milano), Durand (Paris) and Rai Trade (Roma).
Recorded on CD by Edipan, R.C.A., Sincronie, Fonit Cetra/Musica Realtà, WDR/Wittener Tagen, Stradivarius, Kairos, Parco della Musica Records, Wergo