Raphael Fusco is an Italian-American composer, keyboardist, conductor, and clinician whose music brings together lyricism, dramatic storytelling, and vibrant musical color. Internationally acclaimed for his work across opera, vocal music, chamber music, orchestral works, and theater, he has been praised by The New York Times as "accomplished and winning," El Mundo as "one of the most outstanding composers of his generation," and OperaWire as "a leader in the opera world today."
He has collaborated with distinguished artists and ensembles around the world, including Branford Marsalis, the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, American Ballet Theatre, the Martha Graham Dance Company, and members of the New York Philharmonic and Metropolitan Opera orchestras. Alongside his creative work, Raphael is an active researcher exploring expression, empathy, and the art of vocal communication through composition.
Raphael is available for commissions, private composition lessons, masterclasses, and workshops in composition and vocal performance.
“One of the most outstanding composers of his generation.”
Latest News
An American Requiem in Carnegie Hall
Raphael will conduct the world premiere of his newly orchestrated An American Requiem at Carnegie Hall
First place winner of 2025 NATS Art Song Composition Award: Raphael Fusco
Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-up wins 1st Prize
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
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
