About
Cinzia Catania
Cinzia Catania is a Swiss jazz vocalist, composer, and educator, celebrated for her vibrant performances and innovative compositions. Growing up in an artistic family, she discovered her passion for jazz early and studied under renowned mentors like Dena DeRose and Ed Partyka, earning degrees in jazz and composition.
With over 1,000 concerts across Europe, Asia, and America, Cinzia has performed at prestigious festivals like Da Jazz St. Moritz and Blue Balls Lucerne, and with top ensembles such as the Swiss Jazz Orchestra. She has released three acclaimed albums, blending technical skill with emotional depth.
In 2017, she won the Jazz Comp Graz competition, and in 2024, she was selected to compose for the Subway Jazz Orchestra in Cologne. Cinzia continues to push the boundaries of jazz, making her a prominent figure in the international jazz scene.
Biography
Singer and composer, Cinzia Catania, half Swiss – half Sicilian, grew up in Switzerland in a very artistic environment. She started her musical education playing the classical flute at a young age but always loved to sing whenever she had the opportunity.
After participating in the project «Jazzaar», Cinzia discovered her love of Jazz and began taking vocal lessons while she continued to play her flute. She found herself singing and playing in a Jazz orchestra, various ensembles, projects and eventually formed her own band, which performed around Switzerland.
After receiving her matura diploma with an emphasis in the arts, the dream of becoming a professional singer had intensified; she then decided to move to the Netherlands where she studied Jazz voice for one year with many inspiring educators such as Mark Gross, Alex Sipiagin, Don Braden and Dena De Rose just to mention a few. Cinzia then followed her teacher and mentor, the American jazz vocalist and pianist Dena De Rose, to Austria where she continued her studies in the Jazz institute at the University for Music and Performing Arts in Graz. Among other teachers, she studied with Mary Frances Lubahn, Annette Giesriegl, Ed Partyka, Ed Neumeister and Stjepko Gut. After receiving her Bachelor diploma (summa cum laude), she moved back to Switzerland to earn her Masters Degree in Music Pedagogy at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, which she completed 2016. She then earned a second Masters Degree in Composition (Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts) in 2018.
The many styles that Jazz embodies fascinate her and she not only incorporates that into her song writing, but is also active in many different projects exploring music in all its facets.
Her sound is crystalline, yet warm and smooth; she is feathery and rhythmical in her Bossa Nova and strong and passionate when singing in Sicilian.
She has been performing all around Europe and also USA and Lebanon.
Albums:
Come To Light (2016, Unit Records)
Anatomy Of Melancholy (2018, QFTF)
Swim It Away (2023)
Competitions:
Winner of the Jazz Comp Graz 2017
Generations Frauenfeld 2028
European Jazz Composers Köln 2024
PROJECTS
Cinzia Catania Collective
“Cinzia Catania’s voice is unique—crystal clear yet warm and smooth. Her music captivates; it’s impossible not to listen. She boldly draws from various genres, paired with catchy lyrics and the right attitude. Her songs stick with you. Of course, everyone in jazz is combining styles, but not with this voice, this drive, confidence, sound, and such a band! Cinzia clearly indicates where she wants to position herself and her music. With a lot of courage to take risks, this young singer is making her mark, doing many things differently and simply better than many of her peers.” (Label QFTF)
The music of Swiss singer and composer Cinzia Catania is distinctive and recognizable. Together with her band, which she founded in early 2015, she works to create a connection between jazz and modern musical languages. The four musicians met at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences, where they all completed part of their studies. They explore the possibilities of modern jazz, incorporating various musical styles into their compositions. As a result, the music is colorful, spicy, cross-genre, and contemporary. Elements from jazz, pop, and Sicilian folk music are used, with improvisation playing a central role along with the use of loops. Odd time signatures dance around catchy and touching melodies, creating an exciting and unmistakable blend where different musical elements come together to form a new language.
The great American composer and arranger Maria Schneider praised Cinzia Catania exuberantly: “You have found your own language with your compositions and your own voice with your singing.”
“The 30-year-old Swiss composer and singer demonstrates remarkable individuality, as evidenced by her new album ‘Anatomy Of Melancholy.'”
“From Queen to Royalty: Swiss jazz musician Cinzia Catania (30) is taking off.”
Lineup
Cinzia Catania (Vocals)
Lukas V. Gernet (Piano, Rhodes)
Rafael Jerjen (Double Bass)
Sämi Büttiker (Drums)
Cinzia Catania & Large Ensemble
“Internationally, the 30-year-old Cinzia Catania, who lives in Zurich, drew attention to herself a year ago when she won first prize and the audience award at the ‘Jazz Comp Graz’ composition competition. The praise from Maria Schneider carries equal weight, as the multiple Grammy-winning Maria Schneider has been a standard of excellence in her field for years. She is the queen of large orchestral music, and her endorsement elevates the Swiss jazz musician.” (AZ Dec 2018)
Lineup
Cinzia Catania (Vocals, Composition)
BKJO
Kosmoko
Cinzia Catania & Pippo Corvino
The duo, consisting of Montenegrin guitarist Pippo Corvino and Swiss singer and composer Cinzia Catania, met in 2010 at the University of Arts in Graz, where both completed their bachelor’s degree at the Jazz Institute.
In the first weeks of their studies, they began playing together and quickly realized they shared the same musical language. The desire for collaboration soon followed, leading to many rehearsals, musical experiments, and concerts.
The duo has performed their compositions and arrangements at the most significant festivals and jazz clubs in Graz and the surrounding area.
Their first album, Come To Light, was released under the Unit Records label in January 2016.
Their music is distinctive and innovative, working on a fusion of jazz and modern musical languages. They incorporate elements from jazz, pop, Balkan folk music, and electronic music. The use of loops weaves throughout the album, while odd time signatures dance around catchy and touching melodies. This creates an exciting and unique blend where different cultures merge.
Lineup Cinzia Catania (Vocals, Composition)
Pippo Corvino (Guitar, Composition)
Discography Come To Light (Unit Records, 2016)
Cinzia Catania & Daniel Messina
Lightluck
http://druckmittel.org/
Manziluna
The repertoire of Manziluna, the four-member band from Sicily, consists of original compositions influenced by Sicilian music, which also incorporates many Arabic elements.
This traditional folk music is blended with jazz, classical music, rock, and electronic elements. The lyrics are in Sicilian or English, but in most pieces, the voice is used instrumentally.
Cinzia Catania accompanied the band during the years 2013 and 2014.
Lineup
Fabrizio Brusca (Guitar)
Cinzia Catania (Vocals)
Calogero Genco (Alto and Soprano Saxophone)
Carmelo Graceffa (Drums)
Leonardo Grimaudo (Guitar)
Discography
L’intrigo (Cantina Records, 2014)
Cinzia Catania
With different possible formations.
Cinzia Catania & Jazz Orchestra
Druckmittel & Lucerne Beirut Connection
The songs tell stories from life; beautiful furniture, anger attacks, bacon, witches or weird superiors… and to do that the band help themselves pretty unabashedly with whatever style it needs.
The name “DRUCKMITTEL” (Pressure-Device) is a leftover from a time when the bandleader Florian Hoesl thought it would help the commercial success to copy the Jazz-Punk scene from Berlin around 2010. Here bands had to be called “Johnny La Marama”, “Der Rote Bereich” or “Erdmann 3000”.
Times change, bands change and copying has helped only to duplicate so far. What was, is and will be, are strong melodies, extended solos and the sound, which became more and more important throughout the years: full and open with extreme dynamics. This band plays at the limits and will explode in the right moments. Virtuosity is an attribute, not a necessity.
The sometimes rather direct, vivid and sarcastic announcements will give the audience pictorial and partly dubious manuals of how to take the music: with humor and impartiality.
Due to Hoesl’s musical idols from his early youth like Queen or Frank Zappa it is no surprise that at some point vocals would be part of the band. The singer Cinza Catania has not the typical role of the front woman though, but is often used as an instrument and therefore has accompanying function as well.
Also the guitar player’s mostly self-made effects add to the characteristic sound of the band. With long-time member Toni Bechtold on the saxophone, David Heizmann on guitar, Mario Ineichen on bass and Cinzia Catania, Hoesl has once again gathered a group that is “willing to join the circus”.
Azul
Die Musiker:Innen begeistern mit berührendem Gesang, interessanten Arrangements, virtuosen Solos und mitreissenden Rhythmen das Publikum.
Live
05
February 2025
À Mad Cat, Aarau
- 20:00h
June and July 2024
15.06. KiFF Aarau, Album Release mit Blaufinger
21.06. Bio-Marché Zofingen, mit Azul
28.06. Wagnermuseum Luzern mit Druckmittel
03.07. Hidén Harlekin Zug mit Lukas Gernet
05.07 Wagnermuseum Luzern mit Druckmittel
August and September 2024
08.-16.08. Tour im Libanon, mit Lucerne Beirut Connection
23.08. Wagnermuseum Luzern mit Druckmittel
24.08. Musig i de Altstadt Aarau, mit Blaufinger
30.08. Wagnermuseum Luzern mit Druckmittel
06.09. First Friday Biel, Place du Bourg
12.09. UnvermeidBAR Baden
13.09. Waxy Bar (Zukunft) Zürich
14.09. KiFF Aarau
18.09. Roxy (Klang Kosmos) Winterthur
Ausblick 2024
24.10. Vela Basel, 19:00
02.11. Butcher Street Pub Aarau
02.11. Butcher Street Pub Aarau, 21:00
22.11. Madeleine Luzern, 21:00
29.11. Madeleine Luzern, 21:00
12.12. Niente Jazz Zug, 20:00
13.12. Madeleine Luzern, 21:00
31.12. Hotel Restaurant Hammer Eigenthal (Silvester) 18:00
2025
10.01. Madeleine Luzern, 21:00
14.01. À Widder Bar, Zürich, 20:00
24.01. À Madelaine, Luzern, 21:00
31.01. – 10.02. Album Release Tour (CH) Lucerne Beirut Connection
Tour Lucerne Beirut Connection:
05.02. À Mad Cat, Aarau, 20:00
06.02. À Bar 59, Luzern, 20:00
07.02. À Reformierte Kirche, Sursee, 19:30
08.02. À Alhambra, Genf, 20:00
09.02. À Sudhaus, Basel, 16:30
25.02. Widder Bar, Zürich, 20:00
25.03. Widder Bar, Zürich, 20:00
29.04. Widder Bar, Zürich, 20:00
27.05. Widder Bar, Zürich, 20:00
Switzerland
Festival Da Jazz St. Moritz
Langnau Jazz Nights (BKJO)
Moods Zurich (BKJO)
Moods Zurich with the Zurich Jazz Orchestra
Künstlerhaus Boswil
Alpentöne Festival Altdorf (with Peter Schärli)
Casino Frauenfeld Generations 2018
Bierhübeli Bern with the Swiss Jazz Orchestra
KiFF Aarau Saal
KiFF Aarau Season Opening Jazzclub Aarau
Jazzclub Aarau Alte Reithalle
Jazzclub Sarnen
Jazz Nights Zug
Jazz in Baden
Musig i de Altstadt Aarau
Alte Reithalle Aarau
Theater Tuchlaube Aarau
Isebähnli Baden
Wagnermuseum Lucerne
Lez Faux Nez Lausanne
Chrutwäje Aarau
Musik Haag Weinfelden BKJO
Barfussbar Zurich
Schwanbar Aarau
PianoIn Bar Aarau
Odeon Brugg
Festival Guggisberg (Azul)
Artune Art Gallery Frick
Rapperswil Art Gallery
Bühne Fasson Lachen
Hotel Hauser St. Moritz
Musikcontainer Uster UNESCO Jazz-Day, DKSJ Project
Mehrspur Zurich, DKSJ Project
Chorus Lausanne, DKSJ Project
Schloss Köniz Bern, DKSJ Project
Bird’s Eye Basel, DKSJ
Blue Balls Festival, Seebühne
Esse Musicbar Winterthur
Commihalle Zurich
Mahogany Hall Bern
Neubad Lucerne – New Music Days
Schloss Lenzburg “Ganz Ohr” Ladies First, Interview
Ref. Church Wallisellen
Liechtensteiniade, Poolbar-Festival Feldkirch
Theatertage Lenzburg
“Musig ide Altstadt” Aarau
Barfussbar Zurich
Casino Bad Ragaz
Seedammplaza Pfäffikon
Schür Lucerne as part of IMS 2019
Eichhof Lucerne
Sound & Sandwich Bern
Bio-Marché Zofingen
Kornhaus Aarwangen
Moudi-Bar Zurich
Stadtfest Brugg
Mittagsmusik at Gleis 1 Brugg
Baronessa Lenzburg
Leopold Lenzburg
Krone Aarau
Waldmeier Aarau
El Barrio Lucerne
Milchhüsli Cafe Basel
Jazzkantine Lucerne
Hotel Europe Lucerne
Hotel Schweizerhof Lucerne
Metzgerhalle Lucerne
Jenseits im Viadukt Zurich
ONO Bern
Bärechäller Aarburg
Restaurant Bären Birrwil
Bärenmatte Suhr, conductor IBA Choir
Isegass Bar Lenzburg
KUK Aarau, with Jazzaar
Art&Cigar Aarau & Lenzburg
Pandabar Basel
Nientebar Zug
Gewürzmühle Zug (Niente Jazz)
Variobar Olten
Hotel Nomad Basel
Dorfgaden Altendorf SZ
Gaskessel Bern
Weinhof Lucerne
Biberburg Hirschthal
Inmusic Pianolounge Aarau
Takatuka Däniken
Kunstevent Maurer AG Buchs
Kinobar Leuzinger Rapperswil-Jona
Lorzensaal Cham ZG
Alte Fabrik Rapperswil
Jazzmusik in Sarnen (Elliott’s Cafe Bar Lungern)
Melody Festival Aarau
Bar im Stall Aarau
Mutterschiff Openair
Sender Zurich
Burghalde Lenzburg
Maxim Theater Zurich
Lichterfest Lenzburg
ArtCigar Seon
FHNW Brugg/Windisch
3G A7, Rombach
Kleine Freiheit Zurich
Buvette Lucerne
Hotel Hauser St. Moritz
Sächsi Stubenkonzerte Aarau
Soundfarm Studios Kriens
Jazzclub Oberengstringen
Flössi Aarau
Hüttentanz miniFestival
Liz&Chrege Aarau
Reformed Church Community House Baden
Landi Vinelz
Gleis 21 Dietikon ZH
Reformed Church Engelberg
Hotel Hammer Eigental
Bettstattbar Lucerne
Mauz Music-Club Einsiedeln
Kongresshaus Zurich
Muhen Multipurpose Hall
Zulauf Schinznach Dorf
Zumikon Community Hall Klassik Nuevo Festival Zürichsee
Zoo Basel
Bank Leerau Schöftland
Sousol Lucerne
AHA Aarau
Gewerbehalle Lucerne
Church Community Küsnacht
Bar 58 Lucerne
Hidén Harlekin Zug
Kreuz Aarau
Restaurant Vela Basel
Alte Reithalle Aarau with the Big Band Aarau
Spain
Gran Canaria, Alfredo Kraus Auditorium Las Palmas, with the Perinké Big Band
Lebanon
Salon Beyrouth, Beirut
Metro al Madina, Beirut
Sharqy foundation, Saida
Onomatopeia, Beirut
Now, Beirut
The Woodfactory, Baabdat
Faris & Lucia Guest House, Byblos
Artist House, Hammana
Iris Domain, Bhamdoun
Austria
Sargfabrik Vienna
Stockwerk Jazz Club Graz
Royal Garden Jazz Club Graz
Altes Kino Landeck (Tyrol)
Café Traxlmayr Linz
Kultur am Land Bach Tyrol
Wist Café Moxx Graz
KUG Redoute
Orpheum Extra Graz
Jazzwerkstatt 2012
Generalihof 2013
Graz Jazz Night 2014
Theatercafé Graz
Wist Graz, with Julia Maier’s New Shore Orchestra
Italy
Festival of Contemporary Music 2014, Palermo IT
Semi-Final European Jazz Contest Rome 2012, Cinzia Catania 5tet
Romania
Seven Black Spots Tour in Bucharest, Cinzia Catania Band (Clubul Taranului etc.)
Netherlands
Zomer Jazz Fiets Tour Groningen 2014, with Manziluna
Noorderzon, with Manziluna
Atelier Il Sole in Cantina, Cinzia Catania Band
Café Peter Pan, Cinzia Catania Band
Germany
HR-BigBand Frankfurt, Jazzfest of the HfMDK, Grand Hall Frankfurt
Philipps-University Marburg, HR-Big Band feat. Joseph Bowie
Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, HR-Big Band feat. Joseph Bowie
Schlosskeller Emmendingen BKJO
Club Subway Cologne (Germany) with the Subway Jazz Orchestra
Slovenia
Prulcek Ljubljana
