CARLO BALZARETTI (G. Puccini Conservatory in Gallarate, Italy)
6-7 October @10.00-13.00 and 14.00-16.00 in C-405

Carlo Balzaretti is a multifaceted Italian pianist, composer, and educator with an international career that began at an early age. He has performed widely across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, both as a soloist and chamber musician, and appeared at renowned festivals such as Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, the Granada Festival, Wigmore Hall in London, and the National Concert Hall in Taipei.

A laureate of numerous international competitions, including the Maria Canals Prize in Barcelona (1982), Balzaretti represented Italy at the Eurovision Young Musicians contest (1986). His 1993 debut at the Kennedy Center in Washington was praised by The Washington Post for his “solid Mozartian technique and intelligent conception of the work.”

As a composer, his works have been performed by acclaimed artists, including a 2012 tour by pianist Cyprien Katsaris featuring 11th March 2011, a tribute to the victims of the Japanese tsunami. His extensive discography includes over 70 recordings, spanning Schubert, Mozart, and Viotti, available on major digital platforms such as Spotify, iTunes, and Amazon.

Balzaretti has taught masterclasses around the world, including in Beijing, Seoul, Jilin, and São Paulo, and regularly contributes to educational and youth-focused music programmes.

Alongside his artistic career, he has held leadership roles in several Italian conservatories since 1994. He currently serves as Director of the G. Puccini Conservatory in Gallarate. Since 2018, he has also served as Ministerial Advisor and national evaluator for Italy’s higher music education system (AFAM / ANVUR).