is an artist with a wide range of Influences. From Beethoven to Bob Dylan, from Jazz to Electronica
He is a composer and performs on a variety of instruments and styles
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 of which 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”
Frankie scores film, dance and multi media shows. He enjoys collaborating with other directors, choreographers and artists.
He is currently a composer, educator and/or director for:
The New Illuminati Chamber Ensemble
The Associated Chamber Music Players (ACMP)
Blade Runner Eclectic Acoustic/Electronica
Montessori of Lindenhurst
Educator at NYC Musicians Center
Former iSchool international Music Director
Chamber
CHAMBER ENSEMBLE / COMPOSITION
The New Illuminati Chamber Ensemble
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
Everest Rising The Film
This production is available in audio and also a one hour VIDEO presentation that incorporates documentary commentary on ‘Bon’, the ancient spirituality of the mountain as well as historical accounts of the first documented ascent to the summit, behind the scene ensemble rehearsals and the live recording of the piece in its entirety. The recording footage is mixed with dramatic footage of ascending the mountain.
5 MINUTE PROMO
C
CHAKRA SONATA
Commisioned by Jewels of Buddah Shops
DiDonato’s interpretation of the seven spiritual and physical chakra’s . 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. Inspired by the east, the music purposely relies heavily on western chamber traditions as well, creating an exciting and unique vision of the theme. Chakra Sonata was a commissioned piece by Sonam and the “Jewels of Buddha” Tibetan crafts shop in NYC. We greatly appreciate their support.
CHAKRA SONATA VIDEOS
Chakra One – Mans Roots in the Earth
Chakra 2 – Earthy Pleasures from with artwork by Hieronymus Bosch.
Lambs of The Gods –
New Composition slated for Performance at the Maple Grove ACMP Viola-palooza Concert Sat. May 18th 2024. See and hear preview below
SINGLES
The Last Days of Edouard Manet
This is a tribute to the father of modern art. Specifically his last still life’s which were the flowers he received from friends while bedridden and in great pain. A testament to both his strength and dedication to art. Besides the bittersweet and dramatic genesis of these works they are also simply considered some of the most beautiful still life works ever created.
The following is Composed material awaiting production. Looking for sponsors for these dynamic and exciting pieces in 2023 and 2024 We need your support.
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.
Text by Walt Whitman from Song of Myself – Featuring Valerie Nuzzolo; clarinet
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 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.
Movements I -IV with high quality midi instruments playing the piece
DiDonato’s Ballet
Blade Runner
Blade Runner is DiDonato’s musical alter- ego. Trapped in world of technology and robotics he employs that same technology to make a human connection. A ferocious paradox to his acoustic music; however, you will recognize the composition style. The albums share a common tread of irony and profundity with the use of media samples through the last century, from the world of science, art, politics and AI’s; ‘the good to the the ugly’
BLADE RUNNER had its genesis at the dawn of the pandemic with album in 2021. It expresses the cumulative fears, frustrations and concerns of the people of Earth. Its very electronic base asks the musical question: Who is in charge ?
“The student already has everything they need inside them. Being a good educator is helping them unlock it. Sometimes you find a key …sometimes it takes explosives! ”
DiDonato has written a wonderful children’s book to promote music literacy. King Rhythm and the Good Nights of Beat takes place in the magical kingdom of King Rhythm. The reader takes a journey through the kingdom with Sir Quarter Note and meets all the other characters in the kingdom, all of which are rhythmic values.
King rhythm – Eve Gilbert Artwork
Watch an animated episode of King Rhythm
Episode 4
To use King Rhythm in your classroom contact Frankie on the “support” page
Upcoming Events & Support
EVENTS :
BLADE RUNNER III – “THEY’LL NEVER TAKE ME ALIVE” SET FOR RELEASE APRIL 2024
LAMBS OF THE GODS WORLD PREMIERE VIOLA QUINTET BY DIDONATO WORLD PREMIERE SAT. MAY 18 4 PM.VIOLA-PALOOZA AT MAPLE GROVE KEY GARDENS QUEENS
Thank you so much for visiting Frankie DiDonato I hope you will sign in and visit often.
If you would like to utilize DiDonato compositions in any capacity please do not hesitate to do so through the site ‘feedback’.
Collaboration with a variety of artists is very welcome and appreciated
If you would like to help the New Illuminati Chamber Ensemble. produce a piece there are great ways to do so.
You can produce and existing piece for : Performance or Recording
You can create a theme, dedication and commission and entirely new piece to be created and composed for generations to come.
To Commemorate, Celebrate or distinguish an event personal or universal
Create a great composition with me – Please contact Frankie DiDonato on this site or direct:
frankiedidonato at yahoo dot com
Commissions of an entire piece are extreamley affordable and fun
Donate any amount to fund rehearsals, performances or recordings
ALL CONTRIBUTIONS GO DIRECTLY INTO RECORDINGS AND REHEARSAL COSTS – NOT FOR PROFIT.
