Born in Rome in 1954, Marco Frisina is a world-renowned composer of sacred, liturgical songs and religious oratorios, film scores and several operas and is the recipient of numerous international awards. He is a priest, a music director and a choirmaster, as well as a sought-after lecturer as both a Dante and biblical scholar.

Background

• After classical studies, graduated from the conservatory of Santa Cecilia in Rome with a degree in music composition
• Ordained a priest of the Diocese of Rome in 1982, and has carried out his ministry with increasing liturgical and music responsibilities
• In 1984, founded the Choir of the Diocese of Rome, a group of over 300 voices created to animate major diocesan liturgies, many of which are presided over by the Holy Father. The choir gives frequent concerts and participates in liturgical celebrations in Rome, throughout Italy, Europe and more recently in the United States
• Since 1991, Master of the Pontifical Lateran Choir at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
• Currently, professor at the Pontifical Lateran University, the University of the Holy Cross and the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music

Major Achievements

• Composed numerous sacred works for Pope John Paul II, who encouraged him since early priesthood to use his musical gifts as a means of evangelization
• Collaborated on the international RAI film project The Bible Series as both biblical consultant and soundtrack composer for 6 of the films. Nominated for 2 US Cable Ace Awards and won for Joseph
• Composed scores for >30 historical and religious-themed films, including John XXIII: The Pope of Peace, John Paul II, Callas and Onassis, Edda Ciano Mussolini, Pompeii, Puccini, and I Prefer Paradise (St. Philip Neri)
• Composed >30 oratorios and >500 sacred and liturgical songs requested and sung throughout the world
• Collaborated with Italian and international artists, including the Chieftain’s Paddy Moloney, Andrea Bocelli and Mina
• In 2007, composed the opera La Divina Commedia, the first musical production of Dante's masterpiece, and received critical acclaim with numerous performances throughout Italy 
• In 2011, made his first appearance in the United States with his Choir of the Diocese of Rome, touring in 6 cities
• In 2013, composed In Hoc Signo, a grand opera on the life of the Emperor Constantine
• In 2014, hosted a first-of-its-kind choral convention in Rome with the gathering of choirs (>1,500 voices) from around Italy as well as from Brazil, Spain and Turkey to experience faith through musical encounters and fellowship
• In 2016, played a major role in assembling >8,000 voices in Rome for the Pope’s Jubilee of Choirs