Vittorio FORTE - Pianist

Acclaimed for his elegant, eloquent playing, Vittorio Forte pursues his artistic career with curiosity and originality. From C.P.E. Bach or F. Couperin to the challenging transcriptions of Earl Wild to the works of Russian composer Nikolai Medtner, each journey into a new repertoire is an experience lived in depth and with sincerity. Born in Italy, it was at the age of seventeen that Vittorio Forte decided to devote himself entirely to music, under the guidance of Argentine pianist José Lepore. In 1998, he left Italy to settle permanently in France, and continued his studies with Christian FAVRE at the HEM in Lausanne. In 2004, he joined the International Piano Academy Lake Como. At this institution, he received advice from great masters such as Andreas STAIER, Menahem PRESSLER, Fou TS'ONG and William NABORE. Winner of various competitions in Italy, Spain and Switzerland, he came to the attention of the Vlado Perlemuter Grand Prix in 2007, where he was awarded two prizes, including the "Chopin Prize". Since then, he has performed in several European countries (France, Belgium, Bulgaria, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, UK...) as well as in the USA, notably at New York's "Bargemusic" and for Yamaha Artists Service. He takes part in numerous radio broadcasts in France, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain etc... and performs at the La Roque d'Antheron Piano Festival, Festival Radio France, La Folle Journée de Nantes, Chopin à Nohant, Nancyphonies, Solistes à Bagatelle, Pianofolies du Touquet, Festival Clef de soleil, Liszt en Provence and in venues such as Geneva's Victoria Hall , Berlin Konzerthaus, Salle Cortot in Paris, Umea Opera House, Millenium Hall in London, Essen Philharmonic, Pleven Theatre (Bulgaria), Juan March Foundation in Madrid and Akita Theatre in Japan. Since 2009, his recordings, notably for the Lyrinx label, have received excellent reviews in many countries. Nominated for the ICMA (International Classical Music Awards) in 2014 and 2020, his recording career demonstrates the diversity of his repertoire and the originality of the programs he proposes. His recording makes him one of the most followed classical artists on Spotify. In 2019, Vittorio Forte signed with the Italian-American Odradek label, a collaboration celebrated by a first album devoted to C.P.E. Bach (Joker de Crescendo, 5 étoiles Classica, 5 Diapasons). His 2021 album, a tribute to the great American pianist Earl Wild through his transcriptions, has been highly acclaimed by the international press (Choix de Musiq3 RTBF, Disque du jour France Inter, Opus d'Or, Critics' Choice International Piano Magazine...) and praised for its inventiveness, colorful poetry and elegant virtuosity. This recording was nominated for the "German Music Critics' Prize", as well as in the "Instrumental Recording" category of the Opus Klassik. His new recording, this time devoted to the Russian composer Nikolai Medtner, released on the Odradek label, was selected by "Le Monde" and awarded the "Joker" by Crescendo Magazine, "Opus d'or", "5 *****" by Classica magazine. After eighteen years near Geneva, where he founded the Centre Musical Intermezzo, an association promoting young artists through musical seasons, competitions and conferences, in 2016 Vittorio Forte created the C.A.P.A. (Centre d'Activités Pianistiques et Artistiques) in Montpellier, where he runs a series of Master Classes, and is also in charge of programming the Piano Intime music season.