CLAUDIO VIGNALI

04 / Biography

Claudio Vignali

Defined by critics as a “pianist endowed with a remarkable technique of extraordinary classical origin, with a touch full of colors” (A. Tenni), and as a “pianist with great interpretative skills” (Montreux International Jazz Piano Competition).

He is one of the absolute winners of the most important international jazz piano competition: the “Parmigiani Montreux International Jazz Piano Solo Competition 2013,” where he was previously selected from among 10 jazz pianists under 30 from around the world. In the classical field, he won the “Lions Italia” competition in 2011 with a program including works by Rachmaninoff, Ravel, Beethoven, and Bach. He graduated in classical and jazz piano with top honors and distinction from the Conservatories of Ferrara and Adria.

He has performed and collaborated with some of the most significant international artists, including Dave Weckl, Joe Locke, Gretchen Parlato, Rob Mazurek, Michel Godard, Shawnn Monteiro, Lucy Woodward (Snarky Puppy), Emanuele Cisi, Eivind Aarset, Arne Hiorth, Tiger Okoshi, Fabrizio Bosso, Flavio Boltro, Javier Girotto, and many others. He has been a guest on radio programs on Swiss National Radio, in England, and RAI multiple times, performing live on “La Stanza della Musica,” “Piazza Verdi,” and “Battiti.” He has also appeared on television shows as a guest pianist, including “I 25 anni di Porta a Porta” and “Domenica In.”

He has undertaken numerous tours around the world, visiting Japan, Germany, England, France, Spain, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Finland, Greece, Austria, Belgium, and Turkey, performing both as a soloist and in a trio.

Some of the festivals he has participated in include: “Montreux Jazz Festival – Grand Palace Montreux” (Switzerland), “Septembre Musical–Vevey/Montreux,” “La Nuit des Pianistes” (featuring 6 jazz pianists and 6 classical pianists selected from around the world), “Oslo Grefsen Jazz Society” (Norway), “Eldmessa Project Frikirkjan and Iceland National Radio Reykjavik” (Iceland), “Japan Tour Kobe, Tokyo, Kyoto 2017–2022” (Japan), “Sanremo 2019,” and many others. He holds the position of Professor of Jazz Piano at the “Giuseppe Verdi” Conservatory in Turin. 

Internationally renowned vibraphonist Joe Locke presents the album Claudio Vignali Piano Solo Live as follows: Through the prism of his own artistry, pianist Claudio Vignali draws a clear line connecting the beauty and brilliance of Bach, Bird, Bill Evans and The Blues. This collection of songs provides a very satisfying listening experience. It is overflowing with sophisticated musical content, yet conveys great emotion. Listen with your brain and heart – both will berewarded.
Joe Locke NYC / November 2023

Maestro Tiger Okoshi from “Berklee Music School”:
“My dear friend Claudio Vignali is a truly exceptional musician and human being. His piano can speak musical languages elegantly, imaginatively, emotionally and innovatively, always fluently. Left and right hands conversations are amazing and breath taking! He has all kind of “X Factors” and “Wows” in him yet he is still searching and going forwards”.
Boston, November 2023