Cosimo Colazzo

Cosimo Colazzo (Melpignano, Lecce, Italy, 1964) is a Professor at the Conservatory of Trento. He holds degrees in Piano (Conservatory of Lecce, Italy), in Composition (Conservatory of Rome, Italy), and in Conducting (Conservatory of Milan, Italy).  He also holds a degree in Philosophy (University of Lecce, Italy). After specializing  in composition with Salvatore Sciarrino (1985-88), he attended the Ferienkurse in Darmstadt. He has taken classes in conducting with Pierre Boulez (Avignon, 1988) and Peter Eötvöss (Szombathely, 1988) as well as in composition with Luigi Nono (Avignon, 1989).
As a composer, Colazzo has been awarded in numerous national and international composers competitions. Colazzo’s works have featured at various national and international Festivals and have been performed in Italy, Europe, North and South America, Japan. Rai Trade, one of the most prestigious Italian music outlets, publishes his musical works.
As a pianist, Colazzo has participated successfully in many competitions. His piano recitals include his own works as well as works by 20th and 21st century composers. Founder of MotoContrario ensemble.
He writes regularly  for journals of musicology and philosophy, and is the author of books and essays about composition, contemporary creativity, and the relationship between music and cinema. He is a member of the research group ‘Caravelas’ (CESEM–Centro de Estudos de Sociologia e Estética Musical) at the Universidade Nova de Lisboa.
From 2005 to 2011 he was the director of the Conservatorio di Musica “F.A. Bonporti”, Trento (Italy), where he is currently a Professor of Composition. He is a Faculty Member and Artist in Residence at the Italian School at Middlebury College (USA).
www.cosimocolazzo.it