Giuliano Mazzoccante to Lead Masterclasses at ClaviCologne 2026

Italian pianist Giuliano Mazzoccante will join ClaviCologne 2026 as a masterclass professor, bringing decades of international performing and teaching experience to the festival’s educational programme.

Born in Chieti, Mazzoccante graduated with highest honours from the Conservatory “L. Cherubini” of Florence, where he studied under Lucia Passaglia, a pupil of Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, Alfred Cortot, and Guido Agosti. He later refined his artistry with legendary pianist Lazar Berman, developing a particular affinity for the works of Franz Liszt, and completed advanced studies in chamber music under the renowned Trio di Trieste.

A laureate of numerous national and international competitions, Mazzoccante has received prizes at prestigious events including the Prix Venice, the Arcangelo Speranza International Piano Competition, and the Tbilisi International Piano Competition. His extensive concert career has taken him to major venues across Europe and beyond, with appearances in Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Turkey, China, Malta, Lithuania, Hungary, Croatia, and the Czech Republic.

Alongside his work as a soloist, chamber musician, and recording artist, Mazzoccante has built a distinguished reputation as an educator. He has taught chamber music at the International Sommer-Akademie Schloss Pommersfelden in Germany since 2010 and is regularly invited to present masterclasses and serve on jury panels at international piano competitions worldwide. His long-standing relationship with the ClaviCologne Festival makes his participation in the 2026 edition particularly significant.

Currently Professor of Piano at the Conservatory “G. Braga” of Teramo and Artistic Director of the Teatro Marrucino in Chieti, Giuliano Mazzoccante continues to combine an active artistic career with a deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of pianists. His masterclasses at ClaviCologne 2026 will provide participants with valuable insight from one of Italy’s most respected musicians and educators.