Bio

Simone Tolomeo, born in Palermo in 1985, is a composer, bandoneón player, and pianist who pursues his artistic passion in an authentic manner. His early years of musical training took place at the National Conservatory of his hometown, where he initially devoted himself to the piano and composition. Although his early musical explorations leaned towards classical music and Mediterranean folklore on the piano, Tolomeo later chose a different path after his initial experiences at the Palermo Conservatory.

He broadened his horizons by studying civil engineering and urban planning while residing in Lyon, demonstrating his intellectual curiosity and versatility. Tolomeo then turned to the study of the bandoneón in Buenos Aires, under the guidance of Federico Pereiro, Rodolfo Mederos, and Juan José Mosalini, while continuing studies in composition and arrangement with Gabriel Senanes et Ramiro Gallo.

Currently based in Paris, Tolomeo refines his mastery of contemporary composition under the guidance of the French composer Nicolas Bacri at the Schola Cantorum, earning a distinction with honors and commendation from the jury, as well as in orchestration with Anthony Girard at the Ecole Cortot.

As a bandoneón player, he regularly performs in renowned venues in Buenos Aires, such as CCK, Usina del Arte, and Centro Cultural San Martin. His artistic presence also extends to theater productions, including “Manzi, una vida en Orsai,” while accompanying the Italian tenor Fabio Armiliato under the artistic direction of pianist Fabrizio Mocata. He is also a member of various orchestras, such as the Fabián Bertero Big Band, Orquesta Arquetípica de Ramiro Gallo, etc. His musical commitment extends to diverse discographic recordings, including his role as a member of the Ensemble Murgier, dedicated to Argentine music since 2016, and as a co-founder of the trio Los Milonguitas, which has delighted audiences in more than 500 concerts between 2016 and 2022. Tolomeo is also a member of the contemporary tango quartet “No Tags,” with which he presents his discographic project, Azimut Project, in Japan in October 2023.

As a composer and bandoneón player, Tolomeo captivates prestigious stages such as the Münchner Philharmoniker in Germany, the Philharmonic of Kaluga in Russia, the Salle Molière in Lyon accompanied by the Lyon Chamber Orchestra, and made his debut at the Philharmonie de Paris on May 21, 2022.

As a composer, between September 2022 and March 2023, he is an artist in residence at the association Le Chant des Hommes in Bois-Colombes (France), where he composes a Quintet for piano and string quartet Op.6, creating and recording this work simultaneously with his String Quartet Op. 5 and Sonatina for piano Op. 4.

Since October 2023, Tolomeo has been an artist in residence at the Lyon Chamber Orchestra, directed by Vincent Balse, which commissioned a symphonic piece to be premiered in June 2024. His schedule for the year 2024 promises several projects, including the composition of a Chamber Music Octet for the classical music festival “Sanary en Musique 2024,” invited by the Collectif Fractales, directed by Françoise Gnery.

Simone Tolomeo merges various musical influences across continents and genres, pushing boundaries and fostering collaboration. His duality between music and engineering attests to his ability to navigate diverse fields, highlighting that creativity and versatility can coexist harmoniously.

Furthermore, Tolomeo is a member of the Collectif “Por Qué No”, co-founder and organizer of the concert series “La Cita” (solo concerts around Argentine music), and a member of the Administration Committee of the FCMC (Federation of Composition of Creative Musics).

Simone Tolomeo also serves as the Artistic Director of the chamber music ensemble ConTempo. Illuminating a diversified career, Tolomeo guides ConTempo towards promoting contemporary music without elitism. The ensemble provides a welcoming stage for living composers, blending tradition and innovation. The core of the ensemble, in its inaugural recording, features Fernando Viani on piano, Carmela Delgado on bandoneón, and the Quatuor Fenris. United by their musical passion, they illustrate ConTempo’s collaborative spirit. The ensemble’s aesthetic, under Tolomeo’s direction, merges classical traditions and contemporary innovation, creating an accessible musical experience. The eponymous debut recording, a significant milestone for ConTempo, underscores Tolomeo’s artistic competence as a composer and his ability to offer a captivating musical experience. His role as Artistic Director reflects his commitment to expanding the horizons of classical music, encouraging collaboration, and supporting the voices of contemporary composers, thus contributing to the shaping of the musical future.