The research of Giovanni Santini is focusing on most recent developments of Virtual and Augmented Reality applied to musical performance. He is especially interested in exploring the new possibilities offered in terms of musical notation and virtual interfaces.
He is Ph.D. candidate in Music Composition at Hong Kong Baptist University (under the supervision of C. Keyes) and currently Visiting Scholar at UC Berkeley. Has presented his research at Conferences at McGill University, University of Liverpool, Cyprus University of Technology and Zagreb University and will be presenting at Ircam in 2019.
His music has been performed by ensembles like Talea, Phoenix, Laboratorium, Mdi, Multilatèrale, Vertixe Sonora, Prometeo quartet and soloists like J.F. Neuburger, D. Ciampolini, D. Gloger, M. Cesari, F. Dillon, M. Bianchini in many countries (Italy, Germany, Switzerland, France, UK, Croatia, Spain, Austria, Cyprus, USA and Argentina) and in contexts like Festival Musica Strasbourg, Harvard University, impuls Festival, Gare du Nord (Basel), Chigiana Academy, LAC Theater (Lugano), etc.
His compositions were broadcasted by Sky Classica Italia and RSI (Swiss Radio and Television).
Won the call for scores MotoContrario Ensemble - Festival Contrasti 2017 and LIVE! International call for scores 2017; was finalist in Neuverband International Competition 2016 and 2018 and Ossia New Music International Competition 2016. Received honourable mentions in IlSuono International Competition 2017, International Music Tournament 2013 and GAM International Competition 2013. Has been awarded of the grant Movin'up 2016 promoted by the Italian Ministry of Culture. All’Angelo Blu, commissioned by the Swiss Radio and Television (RSI) was finalist at Prix Europe Berlin as Best Radio Music Programme of the Year 2013.
Scores by him were or will be published by Ars Publica and CDs were recorded for Sheva Contemporary and Suonare News.
Obtained degrees in Composition in Basel, Lugano and La Spezia. Has been also student of S. Sciarrino and G. Netti. Took part to international master-classes with some of the most accomplished new music composers, as B. Furrer, P. Billone, F. Filidei, C. Czernowin and many others. Frequented also the courses of impuls Academy, Chigiana academy, Harvard Summer Composition Institute, Manoury Composition Academy and Electronic Music courses at Scuola Civica in Milan and Elektronisches Studio in Basel.
Obtained also a Diploma and a Master in Piano performance. Was awarded in several national and international competitions and gave concerts in Italy and Europe both as soloist, in various chamber formations and with orchestra, with a repertoire spanning from early baroque to contemporary new music.