Vittorio Forte

« My conception of piano interpretation is founded on the ability to imagine sounds//For me, interpreting a work for the piano requires an ability to imagine sounds. Finding the appropriate colors for each work requires a pliant and gratifying instrument. The depth and fullness of C. Bechstein pianos create a wide range for the fulfillment of our artistic quest and allows us to convey real emotion. »

Vittorio Forte

Born in Italy, Vittorio Forte is considered one of the leading pianists of the new Italian school. He began studying piano at the age of nine. After taking a somewhat unconventional route, he met José Lepore, an Argentinian teacher and a student of Carlo Zecchi. In just a few years, he won several prizes at piano competitions in Italy (Ostuni, Lamezia, Modica). In 1998, Vittorio Forte left Italy to settle on the French shores of Lake Geneva. At the Lausanne Conservatory (Haute École de Musique), he continued his studies with Christian Favre, who had a major impact on his musical development, and took part in master classes conducted by Paul Badura-Skoda, Jean-Marc Luisada and François-René Duchâble. His career continued to develop in Europe, where he performed both as soloist and with orchestra. He is a laureate of the Camillo Togni International Piano Competition, where he competed in the piano and orchestra category and also performed four-handed duets with Inès Maleviolles.

Having caught the eye of William Grant Naboré, he was selected as one of the most talented contemporary pianists at the Lake Como International Piano Academy. There he received guidance from such masters as Andreas Staier, Menahem Pressler and Fou Ts'ong. At the Vlado Perlemuter Grand Prix in France, he was awarded two prizes, including the Chopin Prize for best interpretation of the Polish composer's works. Seeking to discover new pianistic horizons, Vittorio Forte decided to devote his first compact disc, released under the Lyrinx label, to the Italian composer Muzio Clementi. The disc was selected as one of the best new CDs by the German radio station HR2-kultur. Following the success of his first CD, Vittorio Forte continued his concerts in Europe and made his debuts in the United States, where he played in New York at the atmospheric Bargemusic and for the Yamaha Artists Service. He recorded a new album devoted to Robert Schumann (Lyrinx). After that, he recorded an outstanding program about Couperin and Chopin affinities. This recording was nominated at the ICMA 2014 (International Classical music Awards) and obtained excellent reviews in France, Germany, Benelux. His latest CD « Voyage Mélodique » was been awarded in Belgium, France, Switzerland, for its originality and the eclectic choices of works. Lately, Vittorio Forte is collaborating with american company Odradek Records for a new release with transcriptions by Earl Wild.

In addition to his concert activities, Vittorio Forte gives master classes for professional and advanced students and is the artistic director of several concerts series in France.

Photos: © Pollack