Composer Feature: Michele Caniato
This week’s Composer Feature Friday spotlights Boston Composer Michele Caniato!
Michele Caniato’s works have been enjoyed by audiences both nationally and internationally, with performances ranging from Italy, Finland, Canada, and beyond. His pieces span across both classical and jazz, ranging from vocal, piano, chamber, and orchestral. Performers of his music include Triton Brass Quintet, Freisinger Chamber Orchestra, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, BMI New York Jazz Composers Orchestra, and Juventas.
Dr. Caniato has won multiple composition awards, such as first place at the 53rd Contemporary Music Festival Composition Contest at Indiana State University, the Massachusetts Cultural Council Arts Fellowship, Fulbright Scholar Award, and composer residencies across the globe.
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When not working, Michele enjoys visiting cities. In this photo, he’s seen with Benjamin Franklin and George Washington in Philadelphia.
Dr. Caniato received his doctorate in composition from Boston University, in addition to his bachelor’s from Berklee College of music, where he studied under Grammy-winning arranger Bob Freedman. He also pursued studies in composition and conducting at New England Conservatory.
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This photo shows Dr. Caniato in action conducting his piece ‘Fiori Francescani’ for SATB soloists, violin, cello, clarinet, and piano at Kent Recital Hall in Fitchburg, MA.
In addition to composing, Dr. Caniato has also published research on various musical topics, such as issues in composition, analysis, and conducting. He has presented as a scholar at multiple venues, including Syracuse University, International Jazz Composers’ Symposium, and Musicology International Conference Boston. His academic work has been praised as “essential reading” by Oxford Bibliographies Online.
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When not working, Michele enjoys hiking in nature.
A recent update Dr. Caniato would like to share is his April residency at the Visby International Center for Composers in Sweden. With funding from the Swedish Arts Council, Dr. Caniato worked on a new percussion quartet in addition to interconnecting with other composers, students, and musicians at the center and in Stockholm.
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This photo features Dr. Caniato at the Visby International Center for Composers.
