C & C Film Composers
The C & C Film Composers born from a professional collaboration between Helmut and Francesco. In this artistic association the two composers, operating in New Jersey (USA) the first and in Italy the second, make their personal contribution, bringing in their own autonomous experiences. In 2010 the collaboration produced the soundtrack for the film IL GIOCO E 'FATTO ?, by Francesco Russo, was awarded the "Best Opera Prima" at the Terra di Siena Film Festival. In 2012, the film score received the award for “Best Traditional Music” from the Garden State Film Festival in New Jersey, USA.
Helmut C. Calabrese, PhD
Helmut grew up in Philadelphia; he was largely unaware of his talents for composing. It wasn’t until the early 80’s that Helmut and his younger brother Lutz started a music venture to write and compose the “Statue of Liberty Anthem” and introduce it to the United States Congress as Bill H.R. 2776 “Official Anthem of the Statue of Liberty.”
Now a PhD of New York University, Helmut journeys to Aidone, Sicily, his country of origin. While visiting, Helmut meets the young Director Francesco Russo who gives him the opportunity to compose his first film, Il gioco é fatto? The film wins “Best First Work” at the Terra di Sienna International Film Festival in 2011.
Francesco Cultreri
After completing his high school studies, he continued his musical studies, earning Diplomas in Piano and Band Instrumentation respectively at the “V. Bellini ”of Caltanissetta and the Conservatory of Music“ Santa Cecilia ”of Rome. Later he attended the second level of Music Education level for teacher training qualifying for the A77 competition class, graduating with honors from the “Achille Peri” Institute of Musical Studies in Reggio Emilia.
He studied piano with Benito Spinnicchia, perfecting himself with Mario Spinnicchia and Aquiles Delle Vigne, composition and instrumentation with Angela Arcidiacono and Fulvio Creux.
He has received numerous awards including the 1st Prize at the National Competition of Young Musicians "Città di Caccamo" (PA), the 2nd Prize at the European Chamber Music Competition "Città di Campobello di Licata" (AG) and the Diploma d 'Honor at the TIM (International Music Tournament) 2004.
He performs as a soloist and in various types of formations. As a conductor and composer, he has collaborated with the Enna Chamber Orchestra, the Ars Musica di Messina Orchestra, the Kore University Orchestra of Enna and the Accademia Nino Rota Orchestra.