Bio

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.

2022 - 2025

Composer in residence

2023

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

2023

International Media Music and Sound Arts Network in Education (IMMSANE)

Co-chair with André Bellmont for IMMSANE Europe

2023

HAUTE ECOLE DE MUSIQUE DE GENEVE

Improvisation professor

2020

Winner of the SABAM for culture prize for contemporary music

2015 - 2023

President

Since 2001

Pianist/improviser, more than 500 silent films played live

2004

FREE UNIVERSITY OF BRUSSELS

Master in musicology: specialisation in film music

2003

ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF BRUSSELS

Master in Musical writings: counterpoint and fugue

1995 - 1999

ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MONS

First prizes in music theory (1995), piano (1999), harmony (1999) and superior diploma in music theory (1997)

ARS MUSICA Cave Cantores CAV&MA Erämaa Fractales Hopper Musiques Nouvelles OPRL Sargo Sarrasine
ARS MUSICA Cave Cantores CAV&MA Erämaa Fractales Hopper Musiques Nouvelles OPRL Sargo Sarrasine
Arsonic Balsamine Botanique Bozar Cinematek Delta Flagey Namur Concert Hall OPRL Senghor Superspective
Arsonic Balsamine Botanique Bozar Cinematek Delta Flagey Namur Concert Hall OPRL Senghor Superspective