Pianist and Composer

Giuseppe Devastato

Biography

Professor at the Alfonso X el Sabio Music University of Madrid and at the Accademia Musicale Europea in Naples. Artistic Director and Founder of the Neapolitan Masters Competition (Naples), WPTA Spain IPC (Madrid) and the International Piano Balkan Academy in Kosovo.

Born in Naples and based in Spain since 2011, Giuseppe Devastato is a pianist and composer recognized by international critics as one of the most exciting pianists of his generation. He completed his studies in Italy under Prof. Carlo Alessandro Lapegna (Piano) and Prof. Giacomo Vitale (Composition), and his art was shaped by renowned pianists such as Laura De Fusco, Francesco Nicolosi and Aldo Ciccolini. He is an heir to the tradition of the Neapolitan Piano School.

Founder & Artistic Director

WPTA Spain International Piano Competition

President of WPTA Spain since its foundation in 2021. The 6th edition takes place in 2026, in partnership with the Alink-Argerich Foundation.

International Piano Balkan Academy “Sigismund Thalberg”

Founder and President. Based in Mitrovica (Kosovo), it is the only Trinity College London centre in the Balkans.

León Piano Meeting

Co-founder and Artistic Director of the summer academy in León (Spain), co-organised by WPTA Spain and WPTA Italy: masterclasses, workshops and scholarships.

Devastato Talent School

Founder. A selective programme for outstanding young pianists, rooted in the Neapolitan Piano School, with an album recorded for KNS Classical.

He is also Artistic Director of the International Piano Competition “The Neapolitan Masters” (Naples) and of the Mimas Music Festival (Procida Island, Italy).

What people say

Giuseppe is an outstanding pianist and a direct heir of the great Neapolitan piano tradition. His artistry is marked by a singing tone, intellectual clarity, and technique wholly devoted to musical expression. As a teacher, he is exceptional, with a rare gift for identifying what each student needs and inspiring them to reach it — reflected in his masterclasses across Europe and Asia, and in the institutions he founded and leads: the International Piano Balkan Academy "Sigismund Thalberg," the Devastato Talent School, and the León Piano Meeting. I recommend him without reservation.

ALBERTO PORTUGHEIS

pianist and professor, First Prize at the Geneva Concours de Virtuosité, Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008 and 2018 for his Peace work and proposals

A couple of years ago I had a chance to meet Prof. Giuseppe Devastato during one of a few piano competitions in which I served as a judge. I had the pleasure of listening to his recordings and hearing several of his students. I was quite impressed with his performance as well as his teaching level. Prof. Devastato is a bright representative of the great Neapolitan Piano School, which produced some of the greatest pianists in the world.

Oxana Yablonskaya

Professor Emeritus, The Juilliard School

His prodigious technique and his cantabile style, with its deep and wonderfully lyrical sound, make him an outstanding interpreter of the great compositions of Liszt and Chopin, whom he particularly loves. But his intelligence and broad musical culture allow him to feel completely at ease in any repertoire. He also excels as a teacher: his students love him deeply for his irresistible communication skills and his profound expertise, the result of one of the most renowned piano schools: the great Neapolitan piano school headed by Sigismund Thalberg.

Andrea Bonatta

Former Artistic Director Busoni Competition, Former Vice-President World Federation of International Music Competitions

During the masterclass he gave at the Conservatory, Mr. Devastato touched students and teachers alike with his distinctive, sensitive and inspired teaching. Maestro Devastato is an outstanding representative of a new and highly promising generation of Italian pianists: heir to a precious and valuable musical tradition, and an indefatigable cultural entrepreneur.

Head of Conservatory of Music

Lanzhou University of Arts and Science - China

Teaching

Professor at the Alfonso X el Sabio Music University of Madrid and at the Accademia Musicale Europea in Naples.

A visiting teacher at several American, Chinese and European universities, he is considered one of the most interesting professors on the international scene and has been invited to numerous music courses and master classes.

The legacy he received from the Neapolitan Piano School allows him to apply instrumental technique with great efficiency.

This high-quality training brings outstanding results: many of his students go on to build careers as professional musicians.

Photos and Videos

Discography

“The Neapolitan Masters” Bronze Medal at Global Music Awards 2014.

“The Pianist Composer” Gold Medal at Global Music Awards 2015 – Los Angeles.

“Devastato Talent School” Platinum Award at International Music Artist Award 2025.

“Devastato Talent School” Silver Medal and Honour Award at Global Music Awards 2025 – Los Angeles.