Italian-American composer, keyboardist, and conductor Raphael Fusco has been hailed by the international press as “accomplished and winning" (The New York Times) and “one of the most outstanding composers of his generation" (El Mundo).
His genre-crossing compositions for voice, chamber ensembles, orchestra, and theater engage audiences with soaring melodies, energetic rhythms, colorful harmonies, and rich textures. He has collaborated with leading artists and ensembles such as GRAMMY Award winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, American Ballet Theater, Martha Graham Dance Company and members of the New York Philharmonic and Metropolitan Opera Orchestras in prestigious venues across the world.
As an artistic-researcher, Raphael's work investigates expressive agency and empathy in vocal composition. His interdisciplinary research synthesizes concepts from linguistics, performance practice, aesthetics and psychology to explore the expressive power of song.
Raphael's music is published by Opus Imprints, Verlag Ries & Erler Berlin, Universal Edition Vienna, Hinshaw Music, and Prima La Musica in London.
“One of the most outstanding composers of his generation.”
Latest News
Featured Compositions
Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-up
Lyrics by Caitlin Vincent WINNER of the 2025 NATS Art Song Composition Award. Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-Up offers an honest look at the ups and downs of sharing a space as a young couple. From choosing paint colors and dealing with each other's annoying quirks to managing cooking disasters and celebrating awkward birthdays, this collection captures the real moments of everyday life. Ultimately, it shows that true happiness lies in the simple act of cuddling up on the couch after a long day, embracing both the challenges and joys of love.
Un'alma innamorata
Un’alma innamorata (“A soul in love”) is a cantata for counter-tenor and baroque ensemble on an 18th-century text attributed to Abbé Francesco Mazziotti originally set by G. F.Handel. The piece fuses Jazz, Blues, Spirituals and Neapolitan Song with Baroque structures to relate the timeless message of an anonymous lover who comes to terms with the pains of their fidelity. In the end the moral of the story: “He who wishes to delight in love must first learn how one goes about loving.”
Quarantine Camp
A cycle of six songs on poems by Ryan Vine which explore the surreal experience of life under lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. *Awarded 2nd Prize in the 2023 NATS Art Song Composition Competition
An American Requiem
Written after a series of mass shootings throughout the United States, and revised during the COVID-19 pandemic, this powerful oratorio fuses different styles from Gospel and Blues to Renaissance counterpoint and Romanticism. This original adaptation of the traditional Requiem text in English offers a message of hope and salvation for dark times.
inSOMNIA
This sensational chamber opera draws the audience into an imaginary realm, blurring the line between dreams and reality.
Le parole dei mesi
A madrigal for SATB choir a cappella on a text by Tonino Guerra which captures the sounds, scents, and tastes of the Italian countryside
“A lively player and fine improviser.”
Calendar
October 18, 2025 7:30PM
Georgia College and University
After a weeklong residency working with composers and singers, the choral ensembles of Georgia College and University will perform Parole dei mesi, God is in All Things, and the world premiere of Te Cubrirá.
Guest composer, keyboardist and conductor: Raphael Fusco
Jennifer Flory and Dana Gorzelany-Mostak, directors
February 4, 2026
A Reflection of Light
The Kentucky Jr. High School All-State Treble Chorus will perform the world premiere of Raphael's newest choral work "A Reflection of Light." This work for SSA choir, piano, and solo cello on words by Sherry Blevins is a meditation on resilience, joy, and the choices we make in moments of uncertainty.
March 16-25, 2026
Bach Week
Raphael returns to Manhattan School of Music to lead an exciting week of masterclasses and lectures on the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. The week will culminate in a performance of arias from cantatas by the MSM Camerata Nova.
May 25, 2026
MidAmerica Productions
Raphael's second collaboration with composer and lyricist Sherry Blevins will receive its world premiere in Isaac Stern Auditorium of Carnegie Hall with MidAmerica Productionsm Mississippi Boys Choir and New England Symphonic Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Bobby Helms.
June 5-21, 2026
Opera Lucca Composers Institute
Raphael returns to Opera Lucca as artistic director of the 4th annual Composers Institute. In this two week course, a select group of composers will meet in the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini to develop and premiere new works for voice and piano.
June 24-28, 2026
ICCI
Raphael returns as composition instructor for the second year of International Choral Composers Institute (ICCI), a 5-day immersive program dedicated to nurturing & instructing choral composers and lyricists of all levels while connecting them with real-world editors and publishers.
July 3-7, 2026
July 3-7, 2026
59th NATS National Conference
As 1st place winner of the 2025 NATS Art Song Composition Award, Raphael's newest song cycle "Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-Up" on texts by Caitlin Vincent will be performed at the 59th NATS national conference.
July - August 2026
Classic Lyric Arts
Raphael will return to the faculty of Classic Lyric Arts as conductor and vocal coach. Classic Lyric Arts brings talented young artists from across the world to explore the exciting world of language and music and perform in beautiful venues throughout the Emilia Romagna and Umbria regions of Italy.
“Fusco led the orchestra with verve and precision.”
Un'alma innamorata
The cantata fuses Jazz, Blues, Spirituals and Neapolitan Song with Baroque textures and structures to relate the timeless message of an anonymous lover who comes to terms with the pains of their fidelity. In the end the moral of the story: “He who wishes to enjoy life must first learn how to love.”
SEE album details
