“While composing, one is often faced with an infinite range of possible timbres, dynamics, and evolutions through which the music may unfold. Every note chosen, every decision made, has a profound impact on the final result.
In composition, as in life: this is the value of choices.”
This is one of Gabriele di Franco’s most profound values. This led Gabriele to create “The Value Of Choices”, his new orchestral constellation and upcoming album.
Gabriele has passionately devoted his creative efforts to composing for large ensembles, resulting in an impressive collection of awards. In fact, he has won no less than 7 international composition awards in the past few years alone.
Among them, 3rd prize with the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra & JamMusicLab University in 2023 (AT), 1st prize at Scrivere in Jazz in 2022 (IT), commissioned composer at the European Composers project of Subway Jazz Orchestra in 2021 (DE), 3rd prize at UMO Jazz Orchestra (FI), and many more.
Today, Gabriele has decided to reinvest the awards won into this new ambitious project.
The album, sharing its title with the project, draws inspiration from Gabriele’s mentor Kris Defoort’s greatest teaching, which is why its title track is dedicated to him. Featuring a mix of previously awarded compositions and fresh material from the past three years, the music promises an engaging travel through the diverse tapestry of jazz.
The Value Of Choices features 8 original tracks, perfectly capturing Gabriele’s musical journey, with the special participation of 4 exceptional guests: Lieselot De Wilde (soprano), Vanesa Diaz Gil (alto), Francois Vaiana (baritone), and Federico Pecoraro (electric bass).
Bridging the worlds of jazz and classical orchestration, Gabriele’s writing style is deeply rooted in jazz traditions, drawing inspiration from the great orchestrators of classical music while embracing modern and pop grooves.
The album will be released on Challenge Records (NL) 6th March 2026.
ABOUT THE COMPOSITIONS
Below is the tracklist, featuring a 2 award-winning pieces and 6 new original compositions.
- The Fly (ft. François Vaiana)
The story of a fly that loved to sleep, and to dream. - Betsabea (awarded 1st prize at Scrivere in Jazz 2022)
Inspired by an ancient Sardinian choral Tibi What if we looked at King David’s story through Betsabea’s eyes? - Bloemen (ft. Vanesa Diaz Gil)
A lullaby dedicated to my two beautiful flowers, Anita and Raffaele. - The Value of Choices (ft. Lieselot De Wilde)
Dedicated to my mentor, Kris Defoort. Grazie Kris, you changed my musical growth! - Another Loss
Unheard cries fall among wind and dust like bombs. - Slak
A slow interlude leading into an improvisation. - Blues in F (ft. Federico Pecoraro)
A blues that would love to be in F. - Inhale (Inspira)
Inspired, dedicated, and commissioned by Subway Jazz Orchestra/CGN.
“THE VALUE OF CHOICES” IS MADE BY 18 WONDERFUL HUMAN BEINGS.
Woodwinds:
Alto Sax/ Soprano/ Flute/ Alto Flute/ Piccolo Flute: Martin Gasser
Alto Sax/Soprano/Flute: Pierre Lagache
Tenor Sax/Soprano/ Flute : Lennert Baerts
Tenor Sax/Bb Clarinet: Tobias Volckaert
Baritone Sax/Bass Clari: Duilio Ingrosso
Trumpets:
Trumpet/Flugelhorn 1: Antoine Colin & Loïc Dumoulin
Trumpet/Flugelhorn 2: Jany Van Lul
Trumpet/Flugelhorn 3: Thomas Mayade
Trumpet/Flugelhorn 4: Pierre-Antoine Savoyat
Trombones:
Trombone1 : Frederik Heirman
Trombone 2: Tim Daemen
Trombone 3: Quinten De Cracker & Nabou Claerhout
Bass Trombone / Tuba: Els Verbruggen
Rhythm Section:
Double Bass: Fil Caporali
Drums: Daniel Jonkers & Toni Vitacolonna
Piano & Effects: Yu-Ting Li
Guitar & Effects: Machiel Heremans
Conducting & Composition: Gabriele di Franco
Guest:
Lieselot De Wilde soprano voice on The Value Of Choices
Vanesa Diaz Gil alto voice on Bloemen
Francois Vaiana baritone voice on The Fly
Federico Pecoraro electric bass on Blues in F