Before turning towards jazz, Stefano Battaglia studied classical piano at the Milan Conservatory. In 1981, he performed solo concerts with the European Youth Orchestra in Barcelona. In 1986 he won the Johann Sebastian Bach festival award in Düsseldorf as best new pianist of the year and in 1987 he was awarded the Brussels National Radio Award as best young European piano player. Later, Battaglia founded the jazz group Triplicity and Theatrum as part of the Permanent Workshop for Musical Research in Siena. Since the late 1980's he recorded a string of albums under his own name for the Italian jazz record label Splas(c)h. His debut album was 'Things Ain't What They Used to Be'. During the last years, he became internationally known for his concept albums on the renowned Munich-based record label ECM. On his first ECM double album Raccolta (2006), he payed tribute to his musical idols like Bill Evans and Paul Bley. His second ECM album (2007) is dedicated to his compatriot Pier Paolo Pasolini. The wide range of Pasolini' oeuvre and impetuous life inspired Battaglia to his 'Re: Pasolini'. Battaglia has taught at major Italian jazz seminars such as the “Siena Jazz” summer program and he recorded more than 60 CDs.
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