is an artist with a wide range of Influences. From Beethoven to Bob Dylan, from Jazz to Electronica
He thrives in traditional as well as avant-garde settings.
He has studied: composition with Howard Meltzer, jazz guitar with Randy Johnston and world percussion with John Hadfeild.
He is a distinguished graduate of New York University; Music Education.
He has created over twenty artsand education programs and live theatrical shows, many have been performed internationally. He is also the author of a children”s book to support musical literacy entitled; “King Rhythm & the Good Knights of Beat”
As a leader he currently is the composer and director for:
The New Illuminati Chamber Ensemble
the edgy rock – electronica band Blade Runnner.
previously leader “Nova Columbo” rock n world band.
Frankie scores film, dance and multi media shows. He enjoys collaborating with other directors, choreographers and artists.
Frankie DiDonato
The New Illuminati Chamber Ensemble
The New Illuminati Chamber Ensemble is an acoustic five piece ensemble dedicated to performing the music of DiDonato and its other members. Its mission is to keep the aesthetic excellence and traditions of classical music within contemporary composition and performance.
The material is often inspired by nature and mythology and compositions often celebrate achievements in literature and all art forms.
Everest Rising is a journey that strives to both transmit the emotions of physically ascending the tallest mountain on earth as well as referencing all of the poetic metaphors that conquering a mountain represent.
Listen Everest Rising Tracks 1-7
Purchase Everest Rising
This production is available in Audio and also a one hour video presentation that incorporates the live recording of the piece by the ensemble with dramatic footage of ascending the mountain.
5 min Everest Promo
LATEST RELEASE
The seven spiritual and physical chakra’s are interpreted. Each begins with a peddle tone associated with it from its eastern tradition. Descending from space or ascending from the Earth each chakra grows from the single tone into a rich composition, DiDonato’s interpretation of each. Chakra Sonata was a commissioned piece by Sonam and the “Jewels of Buddha” Tibetan crafts shop in NYC. We greatly appreciate their support.
Listen Chakra Sonata tracks 1 – 7Purchase Chakra Sonata
These two pieces are completed compositions and await sponsors to help produce them as recording and live acoustic productions. If you enjoy these pieces find out about becoming a producer and member of the new illuminati on the support page.
The piece flows like a collection of Vonnegut short stories. From small town college graduation to colonies in outer space, from lovers in a meadow to brothers on a battlefield. Emotions weave as”Vonnegut” relies heavily on jazz as well classical styles.
Watch the video with high quality midi instruments playing the piece
The Impressionists
A tribute to the painters of the impressionist movement in 1870’s Paris France. “Pissarro, Monet, Degas, Renoir, Manet, Cezzane and Morisot were sharing and working together. They formed a group much like a musical ensemble. “The belief in each other while the world at first mocked them is awe inspiring” . This piece attempts to act as a tone poem for the groups trials and tribulations from 1860 to 1873.
Watch the video with high quality midi instruments playing the piece
Previous Releases
Kaleidoscope Rec.
Blade Runner 2021
The Girl….. Rec
The Girl that Doesn’t Exist
“This piece began as a simple collection of improvisations at a piano. Rather than use them as sketches for material, I felt they worked best as a raw snapshot of myself at that moment in time”.
A synthesized string arrangement and operatic vocal was later added. Stephanie Horowitz gives an inspired performance over a very dynamic and emotional collection of tone poems.
Listen to Girl tracks 1-6
Purchase Girl
Kaleidoscope
“Kaleidoscope was in Billboards top 500 albums of 2008 based on critical reviews of the material (not a sales award). It is a collection of stylized material from gypsy jazz to romantic ballads, rock and swing. Vocalist Gina D is backed by Frankie and an all star band which features jazz trumpet legend Valery Panamarov of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers.
Listen to Kaleidoscope tracks 1 -11
STREAM IT ON YOUR PLAY LIST
News
2/24 Release of Chakra Sonata* 4/1 Blade Runner 2 tentative release April Fools Day
3/ 20 Sunday March 20th New Website is Launched
Thanks for visiting the new site
Please leave a message below , Say Hi and join our mailing list… for further support go to the gratitude page – And thanks again for stopping by.
Gratitude & Support
Thank you so much for visiting Frankie DiDonato I hope you will sign in and visit often.
If you would like to help the New Illuminati Chamber Ensemble THAT’S FANTASTIC ! There are a few ways to do so:
1) Listen & communicate with us on this site
2) Share this site with others
3) Financial Support is much needed to keep the ensemble alive
Donate any amount to fund rehearsals, performances or recordings
Commission an entire piece (This is fun, surprisingly affordable)
Click here to find out more about being a supporter of The New Illuminati Chamber Ensemble
All contributions go directly into production cost / not for profit.
