Stéphane Orlando is a renowned composer for film, opera and performance. From 2022 to 2025, he has been serving as the Composer in Residence at the Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège, where his innovative compositions range from musical theatre to shows combining film and dance, as well as a symphony and a bassoon concerto.
In 2023, Orlando‘s exceptional talent in composing was globally recognized when he received the Best Original Score at several film festivals, including the San Francisco and Tokyo Shorts Festival, St Louis Film Festival, and Toronto Experimental, Dance and Music Film Festival for his remarkable work in Night Falls and The Smile. This recognition not only highlighted his skill in music composition but also underscored his desire to contribute to the enhancement of cinematography and film performances.
Orlando‘s commitment to music education is equally noteworthy. In 2023, he took on the role of co-chair for the International Media Music and Sound Arts Network in Education (IMMSANE) Europe, alongside André Bellmont, promoting innovative approaches in music and sound arts education. Additionally, he has been imparting his extensive knowledge and experience in musical improvisation as an Improvisation Professor at the Haute Ecole de Musique de Genève, in Switzerland.
In 2020, Orlando‘s contributions to contemporary music were celebrated with the prestigious SABAM for Culture Prize.
His leadership has also been prominent in various musical forums. From 2015 to 2023, as the President of the Forum de la Création Musicale, he played an essential role in the development of many projects linked to creation. Earlier, from 2009 to 2016, he led the Belgian Society for Musical Analysis as President, significantly contributing to the study and appreciation of musical composition and theory.
Orlando‘s expertise extends to the cinematic realm as well. Since 2001, he has been a distinguished pianist and improviser at CINEMATEK, where he has brought over 500 silent films to life with his live performances, demonstrating his exceptional ability to blend music with visual storytelling.
Orlando’s academic background is as impressive as his professional achievements. He holds a Master in Musicology from the Free University of Brussels, specializing in film music, and a Master in Musical Writings from the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, focusing on counterpoint and fugue. His foundational training was at the Royal Conservatory of Mons, where he earned first prizes in music theory, piano, harmony, and a superior diploma in music theory.
Through his diverse roles as a composer, educator, and performer, Stéphane Orlando continues to make a profound impact on the world of music, leaving an indelible mark on both the contemporary music scene and music education.
Best Original Score, Best Cinematography and Best Performances For Night Falls and The Smile
San Francisco and Tokyo Shorts Festival, St Louis film Festival and Toronto Experimental, Dance and Music Film Festival
International Media Music and Sound Arts Network in Education (IMMSANE)
Co-chair with André Bellmont for IMMSANE Europe
HAUTE ECOLE DE MUSIQUE DE GENEVE
Improvisation professor
FREE UNIVERSITY OF BRUSSELS
Master in musicology: specialisation in film music
ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF BRUSSELS
Master in Musical writings: counterpoint and fugue
ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MONS
First prizes in music theory (1995), piano (1999), harmony (1999) and superior diploma in music theory (1997)