Teaching Period : August 10 (arrival) - 16 (departure)
Paolo Francese began studying piano when he was seven years old. He entered the Italian State Conservatories where graduated Magna cum laude in piano performance. Furthermore he followed piano master classes with artists like Vladimir Krpan, Boris Bekhterev, Aldo Ciccolini, Joaquìn Achùcarro, and Sergio Fiorentino. In order to enhance his musical preparation he also studied composition and musical analysis, piano pedagogy and teaching techniques, conducting, physiology of music and neurophysiology of musicians. He also achieved the level of Doctorate both in Piano Performance and Chamber music with the highest grades, honors and special mention.
Prize-winner in several national and international piano competitions, Paolo Francese has begun very early a successful concert playing career, both as soloist and in various chamber music ensembles, in Italy and abroad. Also regularly invited by prestigious theatres, music festivals to perform with orchestra he managed over the years to establish excellent relationships with musicians, music associations and institutions around the world.
By virtue of his considerable experience his activity in teaching for the advanced levels goes even beyond the "institutional" role played in Italy, occurring both in summer master classes and post diploma piano courses; moreover he is frequently invited to take part as member of juries of national and international piano competitions.
He is promoter and artistic director of the International Piano Festival “PianoSolo”, an event that takes place annually in Salerno and of the Querceto International Piano Festival & Masterclasses in Toscana (Italy).
Also involved in the disclosure of the new music, he has taken part to world premieres of contemporary works, establishing cooperative relationships, as well as deep and sincere friendships, with some composers. Recently he has been among the interpreters of some innovative works which received flattering acclaim from audiences and critics.
He teaches piano in the Italian Conservatoires (Conservatorio di Musica “Domenico Cimarosa” Avellino) and holds piano master classes for musical institutions and organizations all over the world.
His piano performances are recorded by Phoenix Classics; as a writer, he also author of articles and eassays on musicological topics.
