Duo Stefanelli-Pantani

Francesco Stefanelli (1999) studied cello at the San Marino Music Institute and graduated at the age of sixteen from the “Lettimi” High School of Music in Rimini. In 2012, he attended a cello course taught by A. Meneses at the Chigiana Academy in Siena, earning the Diploma of Merit. He continued his studies with T. Demenga, E. Dindo, and Meneses. He won the First Prize at the XI Antonio Janigro Competition in Croatia, which led to his debut as a soloist with the North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra at the Smetana Hall in Prague. He also won the Third Prize at the Rahn Music Prize in Zurich, as well as the First Prize at the Città di Giussano Competition, the EuroAsia International Music Competition, and the European Music Competition of Moncalieri. He is currently attending the Master of Arts in Music Performance at the Conservatory of Lugano in the class of Enrico Dindo.

Nicola Pantani (1995) began studying the piano at the age of twelve under the guidance of Davide Tura. He is currently studying in the class of Enrico Meyer at the “G. Lettimi” Music Institute and with Enrico Pace and Igor Roma at the Imola Piano Academy. He has attended advanced courses with A. Speranza, R. Risaliti, O. Maione, C. Martínez Mehner, R. Zadra, F. Righini, J. Swann, F. Gamba, B. Lupo, and L. Margarius. He has won, among others, the Casella Prize 2017 at the XXXIV edition of the “Premio Venezia,” the First Absolute Prize at the XI “Città di Riccione” Competition, and the V “Giorgio e Aurora Giovannini” Competition in Reggio Emilia. As a duo with flutist Isotta Violanti, he won the First Prize at the IX “Lodovico Agostini” National Competition. He regularly performs in a duo with cellist Francesco Stefanelli and pianist Elisa Rumici.