Originally from Italy, Giuliano Modarelli is a virtuosic guitarist unique in his style. During his early musical training and throughout his research and experience, he has explored many different genres of music leading him to develop a unique, hybrid style which is now instantly recognisable in his sound. Giuliano is a guitarist of modern times.
“Soulful, beautifully paced and etching deep emotions.” – The Sunday Express
Having studied Jazz at University, he went on to develop through the Indian classical tradition studying under UK renowned sitarist Dharambir Singh and Indian classical maestro Buddhadev Dasgupta. His unique and exceptionally innovative style is a subtle blend of World Folk, Arabic, Flamenco, Latin and Eastern European. His breadth of knowledge and soulful improvisation make for compelling listening and have lead to awards and scholarships from the Arts Council England, SAA-UK, Sampad, Milapfest and many other organisations, enabling him to work with and learn from some of the world’s most respected Indian Classical musicians such as L. Subramanian, J. Bose and Pt Ajoy Chakraborty.
“Listening to Modarelli’s graceful, sensitive playing is to be reminded how far Western guitar has come in a Hindustani context – or an applied Hindistani context” – Pulse
As well as being a freelance solo artist, Giuliano is a core member of UK based band Samay. This experienced and talented collective combines traditional forms with a range of contemporary influences to reinvent the sound of Indian Classical Music. Effortlessly blending Jazz, Flamenco, Samba, Funk and Chill Out to create both powerful and dynamic arrangements.
“Music as fine as it can get and as diverse as Delhi could imagine.” – Mid-day
As part of the international project Sunev featuring Grammy Award winning tabla star Bikram Ghosh (Rhythm Scape), Giuliano collaborated with Bikram in writing and performing for the soundtrack of the Mira Nair film, Little Zizou (2008 – presented at NY Film Festival and Cannes) and has also developed a continuing relationship with the Kolkata film industry, Bollywood films and features on the soundtrack of the latest Sangeeta Datta Film Life Goes On.
Demonstrating his dexterity to work across a variety of disciplines within music, Giuliano has been writing for theatre and dance, touring nationally and internationally with companies such as: Balbir Singh Dance Company, Motion Manual, Diversity Dance, Red Ladder Theatre Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Gregory Maqoma, Vuyani Dance Theatre and Phoenix Dance Theatre. He has also developed various music projects in the UK (such as Klezmer Trip with Bill Laurence, My Journey with Manvir Singh, Nshwa, Raga Nova) and performs regularly in prestigious venues throughout the country (Queen Elizabeth Hall, The Barbican, The Purcell Room, Bridgewater Hall, CBSO, BBC Venue/Radio) as well as at Darbar Festival, Music Port, Bestival, Womex, and many more Jazz and World festivals throughout the UK and abroad.
Giuliano regularly works and furthers his training in India where he tours with many outstanding artists such as Bickram Ghosh, Paban Das Baul, Pete Lockett, Purbayan Chatterjee, Sandip Chatterjee. These collaborations have allowed him to explore many different styles of South-Asian music including Bengali Folk, Rajasthani Folk, Ghazals, Thumri, Khayal, deepening his awareness of world music and continuing his journey into innovative and eclectic excellence.