Bio

Michele Bernabei
Composer, Trumpet Player and Multimedia Artist

Michele Bernabei is a composer trumpeter and multi-instrumentalist performer based in Graz.

After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in jazz trumpet and a Master’s degree in jazz composition with top marks at the Conservatory of Turin with the famous Furio Di Castri (Chet Baker ́s bassist), he began classical composition at the Conservatory of Milan where he obtained the Bachellor ́s degree, and then moved to Graz where he currently resides to finish his Master ́s in composition with Franck Bedrossian and in Computer Music and Sound Art at the IEM with Marko Ciciliani.

Although he has always had the clear artistic objective of destroying Italian music conservatories with acts of terrorism and armed struggle, he obtained 3 degrees (jazz trumpet, jazz composition, and classical composition) within these institutions with top marks.
He therefore considers himself to be a bit like one of those second-generation children of terrorists who studied at Harvard.

Exploding from the inside the so-called ‘contemporary music’ with its clichés and hypocrisies through acts of poetry and vitality, is currently his main artistic and life goal.

Education and Training

Michele began his musical journey studying piano and electric bass at the age of six, later transitioning to trumpet at 14. He earned his Professional Diploma in Jazz Trumpet from the Saint Louis College of Music, Rome, before completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Trumpet at the Conservatory “N. Paganini” in Genoa under M° Pietro Leveratto. Further studies brought him to Turin, where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Jazz Arrangement and Composition with top honors from the Conservatorio “G. Verdi.”

Expanding his expertise into classical music, Michele graduated with distinction in Classical Composition at the Conservatory “G. Verdi” in Milan, studying under Gabriele Manca. He is currently based in Graz, Austria, completing dual Master’s degrees in Classical Composition with Franck Bedrossian and Computer Music and Sound Art at IEM Graz with Marko Ciciliani.

He has refined his craft through masterclasses and private mentorships with luminaries such as Tristan Murail, Clara Iannotta and Eva Reiter, alongside private studies in electronic music with Zeno Baldi and Mauro Lanza.


Recent Projects and Collaborations

  • Collaborations:
    • Worked with Juliet Fraser and Hannah Weirich (Musikfabrik) on innovative performances combining voice, electronics, and multimedia.
    • Actively collaborates with renowned cellist Francesco Dillon as an electronic performer.
    • Developed a multimedia augmented trumpet at IEM Graz for transdisciplinary projects.
  • Multimedia Performances: Combines electronic music, trumpet, and live visuals to create immersive storytelling experiences. Notable projects include a DJ set featuring Tarkovsky film excerpts and performances exploring experimental techniques.

Awards and Recognitions

Michele’s compositions have been performed by prestigious ensembles, including Schallfeld Ensemble, MDI Ensemble, and Quartetto Maurice. Highlights include:

  • Winner: Winterraise Composition Competition (Moscow, 2020)
  • Winner: Lunigiana International Music Festival Composition Competition (New York, 2019)
  • Residency: C.R.E.O. Artistic Residency (2019)

Discography

Michele’s work is featured in a wide range of recordings across genres:

  • Cabiria OrchestraGrottesco Italiano (2017)
  • Matteo BrancaleoniMade in Italy (2015)
  • Manuel VolpeAlbore (2015)
  • Cosimo MorleoUltreya (2015)
  • Pablo e Il MareRespiro (2014)
  • Buio PestoPesto (2011)
  • Roberta BarabinoMargot (2010)
  • Fabio Zuffanti (2009)
  • ZahalOnda quadra (2009)

Performance and Direction

As a trumpet player, Michele has performed with top ensembles such as:

  • Giampaolo Petrini Big Band
  • Torino Jazz Orchestra
  • Alberto Mandarini’s Big Band

He has collaborated with esteemed artists, including Furio Di Castri, Avishai Cohen, Emanuele Cisi, and Antonella Ruggiero, and was selected for the Siena Jazz Seminars, studying with artists such as Dave Douglas and Jeremy Pelt.

In addition to live performances, Michele has led innovative projects like the Basquiat Jazz Factory and Orchestra Cabiria, producing acclaimed works that blend music, cinema, and visual arts.


Educational

Michele has a strong passion for teaching and mentoring. He has taught trumpet, composition, and orchestral exercises at leading institutions and conducted workshops on jazz, soundtracks, and Big Band arrangements. His teaching philosophy emphasizes creativity and cross-disciplinary exploration.

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