A jazz pianist/composer from Rome, 19/01/1965. General biographical notes. He is considered one of the best pianists by international critics. Antonio Farao was the son of a musical family. His mother was an accomplished painter, and his father was a jazz drummer. Both of them shared a strong affinity, and they introduced him to jazz music. He grew up listening and learning from musicians like: Count Basie (Benny Goodman), Due Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Frank Sinatra, Frank Sinatra, and, last but not least, Ella Fitzgerald. Antonio Farao, a pioneer in swing music, was influenced by his parents. Today’s influence is different from that which was first influenced. He began playing the vibraphone at age 6 and then moved on to drumming. He finally learned to play the piano, and joined piano lessons with Riccardo Risaliti and Adriano Giustina at a classical school. Antonio Farao received his degree at the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory. After a period 8 years, all his studies were completed. Influences Antonio Farao was influenced by his early interest in Afro-American Jazz music. He discovered musicians such as Keith Jarret and Bil Evans, Miles Davis and Charlie Parker through this fascination. These are just a few of the many examples. John Williams was also a major influencer. He composed the film music for ET, Stars Wars Indiana Jones. Awards/recordings In 1991, the “Jazz four Roses Competition Price” was presented to him at Ciak Theatre, Milano. A small group of international pianists are invited to the most prestigious “Competition for jazz piano Martial Solal”, a Paris competition that takes place every ten years. In 1998, Antonio Farao was one of the winners in this prestigious competition. Three great albums were released by Jack DeJohnette, Chris Potter, Drew Gress and Chris Potter, who recorded his first recordings for German label Enja records. 2002 saw the release of “Next stories”. Additional recordings were made with Andre Ceccarelli, the London Symphony Orchestra Antonio Farao and Jerome Salle. This recording was for the soundtrack to the movie “Anthony Zimmer”, which was directed by Jerome Salle. It was also recorded with Sophie Marceau, a French actress. Three months later, the movie was released. Kenny Kirkland called him “the best young pianist to emerge for years.” Herbie Hancock Collaborations Franco Ambrosetti and Andre Ceccarelli, Daniel Humair and Steve Grossman. Tony Scott, Chico Freeman, Miroslav Vious, Chico Freeman, Chico Freeman, Chico Freeman, Chico Freeman, Chico Freeman, Chico Freeman, Chico Vitous, Richard Galliano, Toots Thellemans, Jack Dejohnette, Dave Liebman. Participation in Jazz Festivals Tokyo Jazz Festival, Telaviv Jazz Festival(Israel), Dubai Jazz Festival(United Arab Emirates), North Sea Festival Festival (Tunisia), Tabarka Jazz Festival Festival (Tunisia), Saltzau Jazz Festival Festival and Berlin Jazz Festivals (Germany), Calvi Jazz Festival Festival (Corse), Umbria Jazz Festival Festivals (Italy), Sarajevo Jazz Festival Festivals (Bosnia-Herzegovina), etc. Workshops Antonio Farao is also a sought-after performer for workshops throughout Europe. Some of these were done in France, Switzerland, and Denmark. In 2007 and 2008, he was invited to participate in workshops at the Rotterdam Conservatories and Amsterdam Conservatories. Projects A. Farao Trio “Encore” (Antonio Farao – Piano, Martin Gjakonovski – Bass, Jonas Burgwinkel/Guido May – Drums) Farao/Vitous/Humair “Takes on Pasolini” (Antonio Farao – Piano, Miroslav Vitous – Bass, Daniel Humair – Drums) A. Farao Trio “Woman’s Perfume” (Antonio Farao – Piano, Dominique Di Piazza, el. Bass Andre Ceccarelli – Drums) A. Farao Quartet “Far Out” Tributo a Bob Berg (Antonio Farao – Piano, Martin Gjakonovski – Bass, Gene Jackson – Drums, Rick Margitza/ Robert Bonisolo – Tenor/Sop. Saxophone Solo by A. Farao, www.ourstage.com
