Piano | Conductor | Educator

Internationally recognised as one of the foremost interpreters of Franz Liszt, Michele Campanella is among Italy’s most distinguished pianists, celebrated for his extraordinary virtuosity, profound musicianship, and lifelong dedication to the great piano repertoire.

A true Lisztian by vocation and artistic affinity, Campanella has built a remarkable career spanning more than six decades, performing in some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls and collaborating with leading orchestras and conductors, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, and artists such as Claudio Abbado, Riccardo Muti, Zubin Mehta, Georges Prêtre, Esa-Pekka Salonen, and Christian Thielemann.

His exceptional contribution to Liszt interpretation has been internationally recognised, including three Grand Prix du Disque awards from the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest, the Liszt High Merit Medal awarded by the Hungarian government, and the American Liszt Society Medal.

Beyond Liszt, Campanella’s vast repertoire encompasses the major works of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Chopin, Debussy, Ravel, Prokofiev, Busoni, and many others. His extensive discography includes recordings for major labels such as Philips, EMI, Fonè, and Brilliant Classics, with numerous acclaimed projects dedicated to Liszt and the Romantic piano repertoire.

A versatile musician, Campanella has also established himself as a conductor and conductor-soloist, leading renowned Italian orchestras and performing major works by Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann, Liszt, and other composers.

A passionate educator, he has shaped generations of young musicians through his work at prestigious institutions including the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, where he directed the piano department for over two decades, and the Vincenzo Vitale Center for Piano Studies in Naples.

In addition to his performing career, Campanella is an author, artistic director, and cultural ambassador. His artistic projects include the celebrated Liszt marathons in Rome and numerous initiatives dedicated to the exploration and dissemination of the piano repertoire.

In 2027, Michele Campanella celebrates his 80th birthday and sixty years of artistic activity, marking this milestone with a series of international concert projects that reflect his extraordinary musical journey and enduring contribution to the world of classical music.

Featured Performances

M.Mussorgski - Pictures at an exhibition
▶️Watch on YouTube

F.Liszt - Sancta Dorothea S.187
▶️Watch on YouTube

Franz Liszt - II Anno di pellegrinaggio: Sonetto del Petrarca n.12
▶️Watch on YouTube