Simone Fontanelli

Simone Fontanelli is a Senior Lecturer in New Music at the Strings Department of Mozarteum University in Salzburg since 2000 and Director of the Institute for New Music. As a composer, conductor, and pedagogue, he has gained international recognition through commissions, performances, and masterclasses at prestigious institutions like Juilliard School, Royal Academy of Music, and Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory. His work spans contemporary music, opera, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Affiliations:

• Mozarteum University, Salzburg (2000–present)
• Accademia Chigiana, Siena (2023–present)
• Gamper Festival of Contemporary Music (2003–2009)

Education:

• Composition, Conservatorio of Milano (1989)
• Philosophy, University of Milan

Research & Performance: Focuses on contemporary music, blending composition, conducting, and pedagogy. His 2011 children's opera Es war einmal ein Stück Holz (based on Pinocchio) achieved global acclaim, with sold-out performances and a 2019 CD release.

Awards:

• VI. Salzburg International Mozart Composition Competition (1995)

Pedagogy & Collaborations: Conducted masterclasses at Juilliard School, Royal College of Music, and Yehudi Menuhin School. Directed the Gamper Festival of Contemporary Music and co-led the Bowdoin Summer Music Festival. Collaborates with institutions worldwide, including Quasar Teatro (Spain) and Dutch Eurythmy Dance Ensemble.