Dario Flammini

Born in Basel in 1972, he began studying the bayan accordion under Maestro A. Di Zio, continuing from 1988 with Maestro Max Bonnay.

He attended numerous advanced training courses in Italy and abroad with some of the leading masters of this particular instrument, including J. Mornet and P. Busseuil at the Avignon Musical Training Center, M. Ellegaard at the Pescara Music Academy, and C. and M. Bonnay at the Nice Musical Training Center.

He won first prize at the ANIF Competition in Foligno in 1988 (absolute first prize); second prize at the prestigious International Competition of Castelfidardo also in 1988; first prize at the International Chamber Music Competition of Sanguinetto (Verona) in 2000 with the Trio Solotarev, also winning the “Rivoalto-Ducale Recording Prize”; first prize at the Chamber Music Competition in Gravina di Puglia; and first prize at the International Accordion Concertists Competition in Loreto (Marche) in 1999.

In the field of contemporary music, he has performed several world premieres, including: “Sinfonie Est-Ovest” by B. Porena, “Sypario” by S. Bussotti, “D’Ance” by D. Anzaghi, “Preludio, Corale e Finale” by S. Calligaris, “Intus” by A. Sbordoni, and “Pensieri Interrotti” by A. Solbiati, collaborating with major concert associations in this field such as “Nuovi Spazi Musicali,” “Nuova Consonanza,” and “Novurgia.”

He has recorded a CD with Bussottioperaballet under the direction of the composer himself, a CD with Rivoalto-Ducale, and one with Stradivarius. The latter includes the recording of the solo bayan Sonata “Et Exspecto” as well as works by G. Ligeti, A. Schnittke, and J. Tiensuu. His recordings have received significant critical acclaim in major specialized magazines such as Classic Voice, Amadeus, The Wire, and CD Classics.

He is the founder of the Trio Solotarev, a chamber ensemble composed of three bayans, specializing in the research and performance of original works.

Alongside his bayan studies, he has developed an important career as a bandoneon player, the principal instrument of Buenos Aires tango culture, and is today considered one of its leading interpreters. He was a member of the sextet “Viento de Tango,” a traditional Argentine tango formation, with which he is involved in the production of a new show by dancer Miguel Ángel Zotto. He was musical director of the show “Revelation Tango” at the Teatro Sistina in Rome.

He is frequently invited to serve as a jury member for the International Accordion Competition for concert performers in Castelfidardo and for the prestigious CIA jury in Russia, Lithuania, and China.

He teaches bayan accordion and bandoneon at the “A. Casella” Conservatory of Music in L’Aquila.

He performs on handcrafted instruments:

• a Russian-made Bajan Jupiter Arapov accordion (2007);
• a German-made Alfred Arnold Premier bandoneon (1927).