About
Milan native Francesco Granata’s journey with music began when he was 5 and has not stopped since. He graduated from the Milan Conservatory in 2016, with the highest evaluation and special mention. He then had the opportunity to study under two distinguished Cliburn laureates: Benedetto Lupo at the St. Cecilia Academy in Rome, where he obtained the Master Course Diploma, and—now—Roberto Plano at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University.
He won several competitions in Italy, including Premio Crescendo in Florence, Premio Società Umanitaria in Milan, and the Italian selections of Jeunesse Musicale International. In 2017, he won the XXXIV Premio Venezia, reserved for the top Italian graduates. This led to many concert engagements across the country, as well in other European countries and in India. In 2021, he had strong finishes at both the Montreal and Busoni Competitions.
In 2015, he recorded Lachner’s transcription of Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto for piano and string quintet on DVD for Limenmusic studios. 2018 saw the release of his first CD, through the Italian music magazine Suonare news.
When asked about his vision for future musical endeavors, Francesco said: “I believe that culture is meant for humankind, not for only a few people. One of my dreams is to be able to perform in less-advantaged countries, developing also educational projects for the communities and children, speaking the only common language in the world: music itself.”
Competition Repertoire
Preliminary Round
- TCHAIKOVSKY Méditation, op. 72, no. 5
- HOUGH Fanfare Toccata
- SCHUBERT Sonata in A Minor, D. 784
- STRAVINSKY–AGOSTI Suite from The Firebird
Quarterfinal Round
- CLEMENTI Sonata in F-sharp Major, op. 25, no. 5
- RAVEL Miroirs
Semifinal Round - Recital
- BEETHOVEN–LISZT Adelaide, S. 466, no. 3
- BEETHOVEN Sonata No. 31 in A-flat Major, op. 110
- BACH–BUSONI Chaconne in D Minor, BWV 1004
- KAPUSTIN Concert Etudes, op. 40, nos. 1, 2, 6, 7, 8
Semifinal Round - Mozart Concerto
- MOZART Piano Concerto No. 22 in E-flat Major, K. 482
Final Round - Concerto 1
- BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, op. 58
Final Round - Concerto 2
- BRAHMS Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major, op. 83
Meet Francesco
Watch Performances
Preliminary Round
HOUGH Fanfare Toccata
SCHUBERT Sonata in A Minor, D. 784
STRAVINSKY–AGOSTI Suite from The Firebird
Relive the 2022 Competition
Own the 30 live recordings of each competitor’s Preliminary Round performance of Sir Stephen Hough’s Fanfare Toccata.