Stefano Bollani

Stefano Bollani is an Italian pianist, composer, singer, writer, and television personality known for his contributions to jazz, classical, and pop music. Bollani began studying piano at age 6, made his professional debut at 15, and graduated from the Luigi Cherubini Conservatory in Florence. Early in his career, he received advice from Renato Carosone to explore blues and jazz, which influenced his musical direction. A significant moment in his development came through his collaboration with trumpeter Enrico Rava, who encouraged Bollani to focus on jazz improvisation, leading to a longstanding partnership that includes hundreds of concerts and multiple albums.

Bollani has collaborated with a wide range of international musicians, including Gato Barbieri, Chick Corea, Bill Frisell, Sol Gabetta, Richard Galliano, Trilok Gurtu, Bobby McFerrin, Pat Metheny, Caetano Veloso, and Phil Woods. He has recorded more than 15 albums with Rava and performed with major symphonic orchestras such as Filarmonica della Scala, Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Orchestre de Paris, and Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Bollani has worked with conductors including Riccardo Chailly, Zubin Mehta, and Antonio Pappano. His solo album "Piano Solo" on ECM Records was recognized by Musica Jazz magazine, and ECM producer Manfred Eicher noted his strong sense of structure and form in improvisation.

Bollani's discography covers a broad spectrum of styles and collaborations. He and Chick Corea released "Orvieto" on ECM, and his tribute album "Sheik Yer Zappa" for Decca featured his American quintet. He appeared as a soloist with Riccardo Chailly and the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra in an all-Gershwin program for Decca, released as "Rhapsody in Blue; Catfish Row; Concerto in F." Bollani recorded the solo tribute "Piano Variations on Jesus Christ Superstar" through his Alobar label. His soundtrack for the film "Carosello Carosone," directed by Lucio Pellegrini, reinterpreted the music of Renato Carosone and received the Nastro d'Argento for Best Original Score.

Bollani has been recognized by Downbeat magazine's Critics Poll as one of the best international rising stars and young pianists. Allaboutjazz magazine of New York ranked him among the five most important musicians of the year, and he received the European Jazz Prize for Best European Jazz Musician of the Year in Vienna. Bollani holds an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Berklee College of Music, was named Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, and received the lifetime achievement Premio Tenco as well as the Nastro d'Argento for best original soundtrack.

In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Bollani has written and hosted Italian radio and TV shows, including "Il Dottor Djembè" on Radio Rai 3, "Sostiene Bollani" on Rai 3, and "Via dei Matti nº0" on Rai 3. He has published books such as the novel "La sindrome di Brontolo" and music-related works including "Parliamo di musica" and "Il monello, il guru, l'alchimista e altre storie di musicisti." German radio BR-Klassik has described Bollani as a Gesamtkunstwerk, reflecting his multifaceted contributions to music and media.