Raphael Fusco is an Italian-American composer, pianist, harpsichordist and conductor whose music invites audiences into emotionally resonant musical experiences through lyrical melody, vibrant rhythm, colorful harmony, and compelling musical storytelling. His work spans opera, choral, art song, orchestral, chamber music, and music for historical instruments, and draws from Renaissance polyphony, Romantic lyricism, jazz, popular music, and contemporary techniques while exploring the shared expressive power of sacred and secular traditions.
Described by The New York Times as “accomplished and winning,” El Mundo as “one of the most outstanding composers of his generation,” OperaWire as “a leader in the opera world today,” and the Los Angeles Times as “a lively player and fine improviser,” he has collaborated with distinguished artists and ensembles 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's artistic research explores how music can foster empathy, deepen human connection, and illuminate the expressive possibilities of the human voice. He 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. 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.
Three Sonnets of William Shakespeare
Three Sonnets of William Shakespeare sets three of the Bard's most evocative sonnets, each exploring different facets of love—desire, memory, and constancy.
“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
