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.

Philip Domenico Calisto

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.

Next availability:
January 26, 2026

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.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate

Language

English
Fluent
German
Fluent
Italian
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Advanced

Work Experience

Head of Music at Bonaparte Films
October 1, 2024 - Present
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.
Co-Founder & Creative Producer at Soapbox
July 1, 2022 - Present
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.
Teacher for early musical education at Freelance
September 1, 2023 - December 31, 2024
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.
Internship at Sony Music Entertainment Germany
January 1, 2022 - April 1, 2022
Full-time internship in the Catalog Department at Sony Music Entertainment Germany. Responsibilities included repertoire research, artist and audiobook catalog analysis, data handling and release coordination, product and artwork corrections, as well as support in sound development, press materials, and internal documentation.
Volunteer at Musicians Without Borders
January 1, 2017 - July 31, 2017
Instrumental lessons: piano, electric bass, drums & music education and music therapy for children and youth.

Education

Bachelor of Arts at ArtEZ University of the Arts
September 1, 2018 - July 1, 2022
Bachelor of Arts - BA, Composition for film and theatre
Professional Training at Academy for Kindergarten, Daycare and After-School Education GmbH
June 1, 2023 - June 30, 2023
Seminar in early childhood music education, focusing on musical development and pedagogical approaches for young children.
Diploma at Musicube Academy Bonn
August 1, 2017 - August 31, 2018
Film Scoring and Production - diploma program focused on composition, orchestration, production, and scoring for film and media.

Qualifications

Classical piano education
January 1, 2009 - June 30, 2018
with concert pianist João Lima Duque
Drum lessons
August 1, 2018 - July 1, 2022
with internationally renowned drummer René Creemers (minor subject at ArtEZ)
Vocal Training
August 1, 2011 - July 1, 2013
with opera singer and vocal pedagogue Achim Peters

Industry Experience

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