Paola Castellano
Founder & CEO – STUDIO ART USA LLC. - FLORIDA
Former Co-Founder – Studio Art Concert Agency Italy
Paola Castellano is an internationally respected cultural entrepreneur, concert producer, and artist manager with a visionary approach to classical music and cross-genre touring. With over 30 years of leadership in the international performing arts industry, she is known for her sophisticated diplomacy, high-level intermediation, and exceptional ability to orchestrate landmark cultural experiences across Europe and North America.
Paola was born in Naples, Italy, and raised between Naples, Italy, and London.
In 1988, she graduated with a degree in Classical Literature, Art, and Greek and Latin languages from the prestigious Liceo Umberto I in Naples. That same year, she pursued advanced university courses in Foreign Languages, Arts, and Literature at the Istituto Orientale, laying the groundwork for a multicultural and multilingual career in the arts. Fluent in both English and Italian, with a working knowledge of Spanish, Paola quickly distinguished herself as a cross-cultural communicator and leader.
In 1995, Paola co-founded Studio Art Concert Agency Italy, a leading production and artist management company that operated until 2016. Through this organization, she cultivated long-term collaborations with many of the world’s most celebrated artists and ensembles, producing over two decades of iconic musical events and international tours.
In 2016, she expanded her vision globally by launching STUDIO ART USA LLC, based in the United States. Through her American agency, she continues to shape the cultural landscape by producing prestigious concert tours throughout Italy and Europe while partnering with major U.S. artist management agencies such as IMG Artists, Opus3, Askonas Holt, Arabella Arts, and Ted Kurland Music Management.
Over the years, Paola Castellano has curated and led an extraordinary array of artistic projects, many in collaboration with internationally acclaimed organizations and festivals. Her portfolio includes a wide spectrum of prestigious events and premieres, often featuring household names in classical, jazz, and contemporary music. Some standout moments from her remarkable career include:
Special Gala Events & One-Night Performances:
1998 – "Special Night at Teatro Ghione" (Rome) with Marilyn Horne, the legendary American mezzo-soprano, in partnership with Columbia Artists Management, New York.
1998 – A second "Special Night" at Teatro Ghione with Sylvia McNair, American soprano, produced in partnership with Askonas Holt, London.
1999 – "Special Night" at Teatro Ghione featuring renowned American soprano June Anderson.
2007 – "Special Night at the Ravello Festival" with American jazz icon Branford Marsalis and the Wuppertal Symphony Orchestra, in partnership with Columbia Artists Management, New York.
2015 – "Special Stars Night" at Ravello Festival, again featuring Branford Marsalis and his jazz band.
2023 – "Special Night at Teatro alla Scala, Milan", one of the most anticipated events in recent years, starring American soprano and actress Renée Fleming with pianist Evgeny Kissin, co-produced with IMG Artists North America.
Major Orchestral Tours in Italy:
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam Conducted by:
Mariss Jansons (2008)
Daniel Harding, with soloist Lang Lang, Chinese-American pianist (2009–2010)
BBC Symphony Orchestra, London – Conducted by Sir Andrew Davis (2008)
Academy of St. Martin in the Fields – Conducted by Michael Collins (2004)
Orchestre National de France – Conducted by Charles Dutoit with soloist Martha Argerich (2005)
Estonian National Symphony Orchestra – Featuring Sarah Chang, American violinist and later U.S. Arts Envoy (2008), in partnership with IMG Artists London
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London – Conducted by Pinchas Zukerman, American conductor and violinist (2018)
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American Artists & Jazz Collaborations:
Al Di Meola, American guitar legend – Italy tours from 2010 through 2030, including upcoming Acoustic Trio performances, in partnership with Di Meola Productions and Ted Kurland Artists’ Management.
Eduard Zilberkant, American conductor and pianist – Italy tours (2007–2009).
Eliot Fisk & Bill Frisell, American guitarists – Italy tour (2008, 2013).
Han-Na Chang, American conductor – Italy tour (2014)
Piano Virtuosi and Rising Stars
Evgeny Kissin, Russian piano virtuoso – Multiple Italy tours: 2022–2030.
Lera Auerbach, American conductor, composer & pianist – Italy tour planned for 2024–2025.
Conrad Tao, American pianist & composer – Italy tour 2025 - 2026
Clayton Stephenson, American pianist – Italy tour 2026, following his 2nd Prize win at the 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition
Festival Leadership & Cultural Diplomacy
In addition to her work in artist management and production, Paola co-founded and served as President of the Orazio Frugoni International Piano Festival in Assisi (2004–2005), a prestigious event supported by American philanthropist Gianina Frugoni. The festival celebrated piano excellence and served as a platform for Italian-American cultural collaboration.
Her commitment to fostering cultural diplomacy is evident throughout her work, as she has continuously engaged with embassies, cultural institutions, and international donors to support the global arts.
Artistic Philosophy & Personal Life:
Paola Castellano is widely recognized for her capacity to transform complex artistic visions into world-class events. She approaches each project with deep passion, precision, and diplomacy, combining a strong aesthetic sensibility with rigorous strategic planning.
