Contemporary pianist and Instrumental composer Galliano Sommavilla is a multi award songwriting recipient, respected live performer as well as an author of two unique, best selling cookbooks 'Playing with Food' and 'Music to Dine For' (Italian cooking), both of which include accompanied original instrumental music albums.

His drive began where most do, with the caring influence of his parents. His father, a respected chef in Melbourne for over 40 years and his mother, the influence that tipped his vessel toward music, offering him his first foray into the field whilst still in his high chair, learning the world of percussion, starting with spoons, some empty glasses, and a jar of water. An accordion would later follow at age 4 with piano lessons soon after.

Growing up, the discovery of many new musical adventures and influences beckoned. Early childhood performances, older sisters' eclectic folk, pop and rock record collection, various music teachers, piano lessons, numerous school musical productions, different bands and ensembles.

Various study would follow, some teaching, many music and genre influences picked up along the way and ultimately a multitude of solo piano performances which would eventually form and take shape to create his individual musical being, Galliano's unique slant and experience of musicality.

In 1993, Galliano formed his first original band, 'Galliano and the Word', a 4 piece group playing all original music composed by Galliano. In 1994 the band opened for legendary American pianist/singer Buddy Greco at the famed live venue The Continental Cafe, culminating with the recording of their 17 track debut album titled Rain In My Bathtub (With Or Without Strings - LISTEN HERE) in late 1995 at the revered Metropolis studios. The album launch at the Continental followed in early 1996.

A few years later, drummer Steven Michaelsen passed away from cancer after only being diagnosed weeks earlier. After much soul searching, the band was no more.

In 2013, Galliano decided to go at it again, this time,  a new name, 'Galliano and the Sommavillains', with new members and new material. The bands debut music video came about in 2015, produced and conceived by Galliano and recorded at Bakehouse Studios. Watch Here

It won for Best Video @ The Akademia Music Awards, July 2015.

'Seventies basslines and hand percussion funk up this sidewalk-stompin 360-degree performance video by Galliano and the Sommavillains- especially notable for its originality and deft production choices.' Akademia Music Awards July 2015

Between May 6 2013 and May 5 2014, Galliano embarked on a challenging and wildly ambitious musical endeavour, which saw him compose, arrange, record (and upload to soundcloud) one original instrumental song a day for a year. 365 songs in 365 days!

......Galliano Sommavilla’s incredible musical endeavor “365 Original Songs in a Year” is a phenomenal concept and creative feat.  From May 6, 2013 through May 5, 2014 the Australian pianist released one new song daily available for upload.  Presently, these recordings are in the process of being remixed, remastered and cataloged into bite-sized collections.  Vol. 13 Favourites is only three percent of a year’s worth of music.......

Kelly O'Neil Music Reviewer USA

Part of the musical landscape now for over 35 years, and with countless performances and a 21 year solo-piano tenure at Crown Casino Melbourne, Galliano has forged a respected career with regards to his distinctive performance ability, songwriter awards, teaching, as well as his many album releases.

 A compelling journey on thoughts and emotions, his recorded music draws from a plethora of instrumental veins, boasting hints of ambient, downtempo, chill, electronica, soundscape, soundtrack, soft jazz, pop, new age, solo piano and more.

"……Anyone with an interest in contemporary instrumental music in the new age, jazz, electronic, and experimental arenas will find harmony and comfort in the music of Galliano Sommavilla. ……

Matthew Forss - Music Journalist/Columnist USA

…….Many of us rarely accomplish everything we want to get done in any given year. Yet Galliano Sommavilla has given us a healthy taste of the music he's created in just one year. That ambition alone deserves big kudos. And the fact that it's so good, only makes us respect him all the more. Perhaps we can call this Sommavilla's year of living musically………

Dan Macintosh Reviewer USA

…….. As I said before, and have said in other reviews of Galliano Sommavilla, he is a master of musical landscape…….. His unique style and arrangements also have a certain familiarity in what they evoke in the listener emotionally: what images of nature, what heat of skin on skin, what energy between dancing feet and pulsing floor……

Alice Neiley, Reviewer

Piano solo format:….from Bach to Beatles to Bee Gees, Sting to Streisand, Morricone to Manilow, Poulenc to Pink Floyd,  Film and Television Scores, Jazz standards, Pop and current top 40, Caruso to Coldplay, Joel to John, Contemporary ballads, Musicals and more……….

........"We are delighted to be able to offer such a musician that is Galliano Sommavilla to our patrons. We see Galliano as a rare talent; his instrumental performances on the piano are nothing short of mesmerising and are just what any cocktail style piano lounge needs"............. The Pavilion, Moama NSW

......the atmosphere was incredible. Galliano is a phenomenal pianist and entertainer, some of out guests commented on the amazing song selections...if this is a symbol of things to come, I think we will be extremely happy with the return of the grand pianist..........Venue manager, Atrium Bar, Crown Casino, Melbourne 2019

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