As per tradition, a week after the announcement, we interviewed the winners of the Conad Jazz Contest 2026: Federico Campanello Quartet.

 

The quartet is composed of Gabriel Marciano on alto saxophone, Niccolò Monterizzi on trumpet, Federico Campanello on double bass and Elisabetta Saviano on drums.

Deeply rooted in the American jazz tradition, the project draws inspiration from figures such as Ornette Coleman, Sonny Rollins and, from a more contemporary perspective, Mark Turner, reinterpreting their language through the sensitivity and experience of European musicians from different artistic backgrounds.

 

Improvisation is at the heart of the group’s music, permeating not only the solo moments but also the very structure of the compositions. The ensemble’s sound develops around groove , rhythmic interplay, and constant dialogue between the musicians. The original compositions frequently explore metric overlaps, rhythmic modulations, and open forms, generating a constant sense of movement and surprise.

 

Federico Campanello, band leader, answered our questions.

 

How did you feel after winning the competition? What were your initial emotions and reactions?

We’re happy and proud. Our first emotion was disbelief and (hugging) one another; many of the participating bands were top-notch. After the initial confusion, joy began to take over.

 

Some of you had already participated in past editions, others hadn’t. How did the idea of participating in the Conad Jazz Contest with this lineup come about, and why did those who had participated in the past decide to participate again? What do you think gave you that extra push to win?

I’ve been in love with this type of ensemble for a few years now. Playing without a harmonica gives you great freedom, both compositionally and expressively, on stage. We decided to participate because the Conad Jazz Contest represents a great opportunity for emerging groups and musicians, and there was a great desire to play together, competing on such an important stage. The band’s original and cohesive sound was a key element that set us apart.

Have you had the opportunity to perform on other major stages before entering this competition? How have these experiences influenced you as musicians?

We all have a good deal of experience on both national and international stages and this certainly allowed us to have the clarity to manage the tension and be confident in our execution, trying to create something all together.

 

How would you describe your quartet’s musical style? What are its main influences and what distinguishing elements define it?

The quartet is grounded in solid jazz roots shared by all four members, combined with a reinterpretation rooted in American tradition but with a European perspective. Groove is a key element in both composition and performance, along with structures and an approach that foster interplay. As for influences, they are undoubtedly musicians like Ornette Coleman and Mark Turner.

What do you think struck the judges during your performances? Were there any particular moments that you felt made a difference?

 

The group’s sound, understood as a union between compositions and interplay, was an important element; each musician in the band had great freedom. I thought the final song, “Send Me a Cow,” was well-played; the structure left plenty of room for the band to explore and create something.

 

Stay tuned for more details on the band members in the coming weeks!