Philip Domenico Calisto

Available to hire

Philip Domenico Calisto is a composer, music producer, and multi-instrumentalist with a background shaped by movement across cultures and disciplines.

About

Philip Domenico Calisto is a composer, music producer, and multi-instrumentalist with a background shaped by movement across cultures and disciplines. Born in Italy and raised in Berlin, he has lived and worked in Latin America, studied composition for film and theatre in the Netherlands, and now calls Berlin home again.
Classically trained in piano and self-taught on bass and drums, he has been making music for over 15 years. He’s curious, intuitive, and driven by a hands-on approach – always exploring, experimenting, and following his gut feeling. From singing at the Berlin Philharmonie as a teenager to opening the Christopher Street Day at the Brandenburg Gate, from working with Musicians Without Borders on the Galápagos Islands to composing music for film and advertising – his journey spans a wide range of genres and creative environments. Along the way, he also gained industry insights during a stint at Sony Music.
Philip speaks four languages fluently and feels at home in collaborative, cross-cultural environments. He is currently building Bonaparte Sonic – the new in-house audio department of Bonaparte Films – where music, storytelling and sound design come together under one roof.

  • Joined December 2025

Languages

  • EnglishFluent
  • GermanFluent
  • ItalianFluent
  • Spanish; CastilianAdvanced

Industry experience

  • Media & Entertainment
  • Education
  • Professional Services
  • Non-Profit Organization
  • Other

Projects · 2

Work experience· 5 roles

Head of Music · Bonaparte FilmsOct 2024 – Present · 2 yrs 2 mos

I lead Bonaparte Sonic, the in-house music and sound department at Bonaparte Films. I’m responsible for creative direction and execution across composition, sound design, voice-over recording, mixing, and mastering. I work closely with directors, producers, and editors to develop audio in direct relation to picture, ensuring efficient workflows and strong creative cohesion. I also set up and manage the studio infrastructure and freelance workflows, enabling external composers and sound designers to plug in smoothly. My focus is on high-quality audio, clear communication, and practical, production-ready solutions.

Teacher for early musical education · FreelanceSep 2023 – Dec 2024 · 1 yr 4 mos

I have worked as a teacher for early musical education, introducing children aged 1.5 to 6 to the world of music. I have taught at music schools, kindergartens, and primary schools, using playful and age-appropriate methods to foster creativity and musicality. Additionally, I have given private piano lessons, helping young learners take their first steps at the instrument.

Co-Founder & Creative Producer · SoapboxJul 2022 – Present · 4 yrs 5 mos

I co-founded Soapbox, a Berlin-based media production company focused on creative, independent projects. We develop and produce original advertising and branded content, combining strong concepts with hands-on production. My role spans creative direction, concept development, storytelling, and production across film, photography, and audio. I’m involved from early idea stages through realization and post-production, with a strong focus on artistic quality, reliability, and unconventional approaches. Soapbox works passion-driven, flexible, and close to the creative process — from concept to final delivery.

Internship · Sony Music Entertainment GermanyJan 2022 – Apr 2022 · 4 mos
Volunteer · Musicians Without BordersJan 2017 – Jul 2017 · 7 mos

Education

Bachelor of Arts · ArtEZ University of the Arts2018 – 2022

Bachelor of Arts - BA, Composition for film and theatre

Professional Training · Academy for Kindergarten, Daycare and After-School Education GmbH2023

Seminar in early childhood music education, focusing on musical development and pedagogical approaches for young children.

Diploma · Musicube Academy Bonn2017 – 2018

Film Scoring and Production - diploma program focused on composition, orchestration, production, and scoring for film and media.

Certifications and awards

Classical piano education2009 – 2018

with concert pianist João Lima Duque

Drum lessons2018 – 2022

with internationally renowned drummer René Creemers (minor subject at ArtEZ)

Vocal Training2011 – 2013

with opera singer and vocal pedagogue Achim Peters

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