“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) 6^th March 2026.

“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

Trumpet/Flugelhorn 2: Jany Van Lul

Trumpet/Flugelhorn 3: Thomas Mayade

Trumpet/Flugelhorn 4: Pierre-Antoine Savoyat

 

Trombones:

Trombone1 : Frederik Heirman

Trombone 2: Quinten De Cracker

Trombone 3: Tim Daemen

Bass Trombone / Tuba: Els Verbruggen

 

Rhythm Section:

Double Bass: Fil Caporali

Drums: Daniel Jonkers

Piano & Effects: Yu-Ting Li

Guitar & Effects: Machiel Heremans

Conducting & Composition: Gabriele di Franco

 

Guests:
Lieselot De Wilde – voice

Vanesa Diaz Gil – voice

Francois Vaiana – voice

Federico Pecoraro – el. bass