Raphael Fusco is active on both sides of the Atlantic as a composer and collaborative keyboardist. Raphael began his bi-continental ways shortly after high school – studying Composition and Piano at The Conservatory of Music “Giuseppe Verdi” in Turin, Italy and at La Schola Cantorum in Paris, France – before returning to Mannes College of Music to earn his B.A. and M.M. in Composition. Passionate about early music as well as contemporary, popular and jazz, Raphael’s compositions reflect a wonderful amalgam. And as a founding member of early music ensembles The Corelli Collective and Uncommon Temperament, along with jazz piano duo Major Keys, Raphael’s active performance schedule is just as diverse.

Fresh off a tour through Southern Italy, Raphael plans to work on three exciting projects for his residency at Turtle Bay Music School. First is a flute and piano sonata commissioned by Stefan Höskuldsson, principal flautist of the Metropolitan Opera. His second project is a new opera based on the Epic of Atrahasis, an ancient Sumerian account of the Great Flood. Raphael plans to compose several arias and scenes for readings and workshops around the city. And lastly, Raphael will prepare for his debut album “First Impressions,” featuring piano improvisations of varying styles. All very exciting!

And don’t forget to check back often as we continue with our Composer Interviews…