Born in Rome in 1987, I began with piano and electric bass at six, switched to trumpet at fourteen, and trained across Italy in jazz trumpet and classical composition. My work blends traditional composition with electronic augmentation, using wearable controllers and live processing to expand how trumpet and electronics interact. I lead ensembles, compose for theatre and cinema, and explore hybrid sonic practices that connect performance, technology, and image. I've led projects like Basquiat Jazz Factory and Orchestra Cabiria, written chamber opera, soundtracked films, and staged live-scored images. My research on hybrid sound investigates wearable tech, turntables, and extended techniques, and I teach and curate across Europe, always seeking collaborations that fuse sound, motion, and story.

Michele Bernabei

Born in Rome in 1987, I began with piano and electric bass at six, switched to trumpet at fourteen, and trained across Italy in jazz trumpet and classical composition. My work blends traditional composition with electronic augmentation, using wearable controllers and live processing to expand how trumpet and electronics interact. I lead ensembles, compose for theatre and cinema, and explore hybrid sonic practices that connect performance, technology, and image. I've led projects like Basquiat Jazz Factory and Orchestra Cabiria, written chamber opera, soundtracked films, and staged live-scored images. My research on hybrid sound investigates wearable tech, turntables, and extended techniques, and I teach and curate across Europe, always seeking collaborations that fuse sound, motion, and story.

Available to hire

Born in Rome in 1987, I began with piano and electric bass at six, switched to trumpet at fourteen, and trained across Italy in jazz trumpet and classical composition. My work blends traditional composition with electronic augmentation, using wearable controllers and live processing to expand how trumpet and electronics interact. I lead ensembles, compose for theatre and cinema, and explore hybrid sonic practices that connect performance, technology, and image.

I’ve led projects like Basquiat Jazz Factory and Orchestra Cabiria, written chamber opera, soundtracked films, and staged live-scored images. My research on hybrid sound investigates wearable tech, turntables, and extended techniques, and I teach and curate across Europe, always seeking collaborations that fuse sound, motion, and story.

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Language

Italian
Fluent
English
Advanced

Work Experience

Founder / Director at Basquiat Jazz Factory
January 1, 2012 - Present
Founded in Turin, a collective of young musicians and composers; performances at festivals and clubs; conceived and directed multimedia shows such as Nuvole.
Founder at Orchestra Cabiria
January 1, 2015 - Present
Ensemble of 11 professional musicians; recorded music inspired by Federico Fellini and Italian cinema; music included as accompaniment on La7 program.
Composer / Conductor at Museo Nazionale del Cinema / L'Odissea live soundtrack
January 1, 2018 - Present
Soundtracked live the 1911 film L'Odissea with a 15-musician ensemble, in collaboration with the museum.
Composer at Bludenzer Tage Zeitgemäßer Musik Festival
January 1, 2024 - Present
Chamber opera Johnny and Jane commissioned by the festival; premiered by Juliet Fraser (voice) and Anna Weirich (violin, Ensemble Musikfabrik).
Sound Director / Curator at Klangforum Wien / Vienna Konzerthaus
June 1, 2025 - Present
Curated sound direction for a Klangforum Wien production featuring works by Pierre Boulez and Philippe Manoury.
Permanent Member at Manuel Volpe & the Rhabdomantic Orchestra
January 1, 2013 - Present
Permanent member; over 50 dates; recorded the album Albore.
Trumpet Teacher at Scuola di Musica Popolare, Turin
January 1, 2013 - Present
Taught trumpet, theory and solfege; wrote arrangements for a 20-piece ensemble.

Education

Professional Diploma in Jazz Trumpet at Saint Louis College of Music
January 11, 2030 - February 18, 2026
Bachelor Degree in Jazz Trumpet at Conservatorio N. Paganini (Genoa)
January 11, 2030 - February 18, 2026
Master Degree in Jazz Arrangement and Composition at Conservatorio G. Verdi, Turin
January 1, 2010 - February 18, 2026
Bachelor's Degree in Classical Composition at Conservatorio G. Verdi, Milan
January 11, 2030 - February 18, 2026
Master's Degree in Classical Composition at Kunstuniversität Graz
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2025
Parallel Master’s Degree in Computer Music and Sound Art at IEM Graz
January 11, 2030 - February 18, 2026
ABRSM Diploma in String Orchestra Direction at ABRSM
January 1, 2018 - February 18, 2026

Qualifications

ABRSM Diploma in String Orchestra Direction
January 1, 2018 - February 18, 2026
Master’s Degree in Classical Composition (Kunstuniversität Graz)
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2025
Parallel Master’s Degree in Computer Music and Sound Art (IEM Graz)
January 11, 2030 - February 18, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services