SPECIAL CONCERT | Skylight

Programme Notes
This concert unfolds as a musical journey through my life, my roots, and the artistic milestones that have shaped me.

The path begins in the historic center of Naples — just steps away from this very place — and opens outward to the world, moving through classical music, Neapolitan song, jazz, cinema, and Eastern influences.

Naples, the Origins

The program opens with Domenico Scarlatti, a central figure of 18th-century Neapolitan music, himself born in the heart of the city.

Two Sonatas introduce the journey as a return to the essence of the piano: rhythm, light, invention.

Naples is also the cradle of the Neapolitan art song tradition.

Era de Maggio is presented with an introduction inspired by Scarlatti’s style, in a natural dialogue between refined language and popular tradition.

It is followed by Torna a Surriento, in an arrangement I created during my years at the Naples Conservatory, developed almost secretly between classrooms, with harmonic suggestions inspired by Claude Debussy.

A special tribute is dedicated to Renato Carosone, the artist who, from childhood, showed me how classical pianism could merge with jazz, swing, and modernity.

From this inspiration comes my arrangement of Pianofortissimo, enriched with virtuosic elements reminiscent of Franz Liszt.

New York, Discovery

In 2010 I moved to New York.

It was a period of deep personal and artistic transformation, which gave birth to Manhattan and Me, released by Cinevox (Franco Bixio) on my debut album Funambulist.

With my second album, On the Way, again produced by Cinevox, I explored important international collaborations (including Toquinho and Mino Cinelu) and composed Mediterraneo, a piece that reflects my bond with Cilento — my paternal grandmother’s homeland — and my love for Latin Jazz.

The Encounter with Luis Bacalov

I met Luis Bacalov in Salerno during an event where we were both guests. He was struck by my arrangement of Astor Piazzolla’s Libertango, in which I playfully incorporated Beethoven-inspired elements.

From that meeting came my third album, conducted by Bacalov with the London Symphony Orchestra, recorded at Abbey Road Studios – Studio One for Sony Classical.

From that period I perform After the Rain and Il viaggio dell’anima (The Journey of the Soul).

Japan, Destiny

With Miyabi (composed in 2015), I pay tribute to Japan — a piece which, in hindsight, seems to have anticipated my destiny.

After Maestro Bacalov’s passing, thanks to Yamaha, I moved to Tokyo in 2019, becoming the only Western artist to be named a Yamaha Artist in Asia.

Japanese culture entered deeply into my musical language.

I perform Sakura, an ancient traditional melody associated with cherry blossoms, improvising freely upon it as a hymn to spring.

This is followed by Merry-Go-Round of Life by Joe Hisaishi, a tribute to the poetic refinement of Hayao Miyazaki’s cinema.

El Tango del Diez

During the Covid period in 2020, while alone in Tokyo, I learned of the passing of Diego Armando Maradona.

Not only a sporting icon, but for me a symbol of someone who rose from poverty by believing in his dreams and changing the world.

That night, El Tango del Diez was born.

The Present: Sky, Cinema, and Light

In 2023 I won the prestigious Ibra Grand Award Japan, which led me to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York, where I paid tribute to Italian cinema with my arrangement of The Godfather – Love Theme by Nino Rota.

From my most recent album I perform Sky, composed for Expo Osaka – Italy Pavilion, which led to my appointment as ambassador of the Yamaha CFX concert grand piano.

The concert concludes with two works for piano and cello, born from my collaboration with Jaques Morelenbaum, recorded at Abbey Road Studios – Studio Two: Joy and Over the Wings, dedicated to a child who left this world too soon.

Alberto Pizzo

Alberto Pizzo

Alberto Pizzo is a pianist and composer born in Naples and based in Japan, internationally recognized for blending classical tradition, cinematic sensitivity, and jazz freedom into a deeply personal style. He began studying piano at the age of four in a Neapolitan convent, accompanying liturgies as an organist. He graduated with highest honors from the Naples Conservatory and won numerous national and international competitions.

In 2011 he moved to New York, where he deepened his jazz studies and began an intense international concert activity, collaborating with artists such as Chick Corea, Luis Bacalov, Jaques Morelenbaum, and Toquinho.

For Sony Classical he released Memories, recorded at Abbey Road Studios (Studio One) with the London Symphony Orchestra. In Japan he debuted with the album Amore for Yamaha Music Entertainment. He composes for film and NHK productions and has also appeared as an actor in cinema and television.

In 2023 he won the Ibra Grand Award Japan (First Prize Piano and Grand Prix). In 2024 he performed at Carnegie Hall and other major venues worldwide. He composed Sky, the official theme of the Italy Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025, and recorded the album Skylight at Abbey Road Studios – Studio Two.

Described by critics as “the magician of the piano,” he is a Yamaha Artist and official ambassador of the CFX concert grand.

Luca Signorini

Luca Signorini is an internationally acclaimed cellist, composer, and writer. He has performed as soloist with the Orchestra dell’Accademia di Santa Cecilia, the Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, the Teatro di San Carlo Orchestra in Naples, and in major Japanese concert halls including Tokyo’s Casals Hall, under conductors such as Carlo Maria Giulini, Daniele Gatti, and Jeffrey Tate.

He has recorded extensively for Nuova Era, BNA, and RCA, spanning repertoire from the 18th century to contemporary works. A passionate chamber musician, he has collaborated with Uto Ughi, Ruggiero Ricci, Bruno Canino, Wolfram Christ, and others.

He has served as Principal Cello of the RAI Symphony Orchestra, the Accademia di Santa Cecilia, and the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, and was appointed Principal Cello of the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples “for distinguished merit.”

Signorini has also lectured in musicology at the University of Naples “Federico II,” published essays and novels, and conceived numerous interdisciplinary projects combining music and literature. He recorded the complete J.S. Bach Cello Suites in support of Amnesty International and continues to collaborate as a columnist for Corriere del Mezzogiorno.