BIOGRAPHY

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Born in Bari, Italy, Roberto Petroli began his musical journey at an early age. He studied at the Conservatory "A. Vivaldi" in Alessandria, where he graduated with distinction.

Following his success in several national and international music competitions, Roberto was awarded two scholarships that allowed him to continue his studies abroad, studying with Guy Deplus in Paris and Antony Pay in London.

A pivotal moment in his career came with the mentorship of Maestro Hengel Gualdi, who became both his teacher and friend. From 1988 to 1992, Roberto played alongside his mentor’s orchestra and had the privilege of sharing the stage with jazz legends such as Chet Baker and Gerry Mulligan.

In 1993, Roberto dedicated himself to expanding his musical skills by studying arrangement and composition, alongside his performance career.

Throughout his extensive career, Roberto has collaborated with renowned artists including Lucio Dalla, Maurizio Solieri, Fabio Concato, Eugenio Finardi, and Paolo Alderighi. He has recorded numerous LPs and CDs and appeared in various television productions.

After relocating to Switzerland in 2009, Roberto embarked on a new musical chapter as the longtime musical partner of Italian singer-songwriter Pippo Pollina, based in Zurich.

Since 2011, they have toured extensively across Europe as a duo, trio, and quintet.

This new environment also brought Roberto into contact with a diverse range of musicians, including Konstantin Wecker, Giorgio Conte, Rebekka Bakken, Eve Gallagher, Daniel Küffer, Jean Pierre von Dach, Walter Kaiser, Sina, Etta Scollo. Additionally, he has been active in the St. Gallen music scene, performing in the Cole Porter musical Anything Goes.