Donato Semeraro
Donato Semeraro was born in Cisternino (Brindisi). He graduated in horn from the "N. Piccinni" Conservatory of Music, Bari (part of the Monopoli State Conservatory of Music), where he also studied Composition, Choral Music, Choral Direction and Band Instrumentation. He currently has the chair of horn studies at the "F. Torrefranca" Conservatory of Music and "Scientia at Ars" International Polytechnic in Vibo Valentia. Much of his work includes chamber and orchestra training both in Italy and abroad. Since 1994, he has directed the "Città di Cisternino" Youth Wind Orchestra; the orchestra has taken part in various national and international events and competitions and he has obtained numerous awards and recognitions, including those as director. He gained the award for best director at the "Zlota Lira" International Wind Orchestra and Band Contest in Rybnik (Poland) in 2007. The same year, he was given the mandate by "Pianeta Giovani (Planet Youth)", an international committee that every year brings together the finest young talent from conservatories in Europe, to compose the anthem, and conduct the orchestra, for the event. The "Curia Vescovile" in Bergamo and ABBM Bergamo band association also entrusted him with the composition of the anthem to accompany the fiftieth anniversary celebrations to mark the papal election of Pope John XXIII (1958-2008). Since 2008, he has worked with the Financial Police Force Band as composer and musical arranger. Various pieces have been commissioned by this renowned band, including the musical elaboration of Konzertstück n.1 op.113 by Felix Mendelssohn, performed at the "Parco della Musica" Auditorium in Roma by Alessandro Carbonare (first clarinettist for the "Accademia di Santa Cecilia" National Orchestra) and Giulio Cuseri (first solo clarinettist for the Financial Police Force Band). In July 2008, he won the award for best director at the XVI International Festival of in Mezokosved (Hungary).
