Bruno D'Ambra

Displaying a keen musical aptitude since childhood, Bruno enjoyed a diverse albeit scattered music education in his native Italy. Mostly self-thought, he learned to play various instruments, as well as music theory and composition. In his teens he discovered jazz and at the same time started to play professionally in local clubs and bars, familiarizing himself with the jazz repertoire and learning to improve his technique. In 2000, as a young man in his early 20’s, keen to discover a bigger jazz scene, Bruno moved to London with a rucksack, a small keyboard carefully packed in a cardboard box and £300 in his pocket (a parting gift from his late grandad). It didn’t take him long to make friends and connections in London, where he’s been honing his craft for over 20 years with many of Britain’s best-loved jazz musicians and playing at venues including Ronnie Scott’s, the 606 Club, Pizza Express Dean Street and the Queen Elizabeth Hall. He has appeared on Good Morning Britain as well as other commercial media and has played on sessions for a variety of artists, including at legendary Abbey Road Studios and Metropolis Studios. One of Bruno’s highest honours was being invited to play piano at a gala dinner in 2011 for US President Barak Obama and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In 2012 he released Songs for Duke, an album of original compositions inspired by and dedicated to Duke Ellington, written, played and co-produced with long-term collaborator, guitarist Francesco Lo Castro. As well as a performer Bruno is also an established educator, having been a lecturer at ICMP in London for over 10 years, teaching music theory, arranging, music production and keyboard skills. He holds a post-graduate Diploma in Music Teaching to Adults from Goldsmith University as well as a MA Degree in Music Performance from University of East London.

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