Riccardo del Fra is a renowned Italian-born double bassist, composer, and arranger who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. He was born on December 20, 1956, in Rome, Italy, and grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist, which exposed him to music at an early age. Del Fra began his musical journey by learning the piano at the age of six. However, he soon switched to the double bass, which became his primary instrument. He studied at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome, where he received a solid foundation in classical music. He also studied jazz with renowned bassist Franco Petracchi, who helped him develop his improvisational skills. After completing his studies, del Fra began his professional career as a bassist in Italy. He played with various jazz and classical ensembles, including the Rome Symphony Orchestra and the Italian Radio and Television Symphony Orchestra. He also worked with jazz legends such as Chet Baker, Phil Woods, and Lee Konitz, which helped him gain recognition as a versatile and talented musician. In 1981, del Fra moved to Paris, France, where he continued to pursue his musical career. He quickly established himself as a prominent figure in the French jazz scene and played with some of the country's most renowned musicians, including Michel Petrucciani, Aldo Romano, and Martial Solal. He also formed his own ensemble, the Riccardo del Fra Quintet, which released several critically acclaimed albums. Del Fra's talent as a composer and arranger also became evident during this period. He wrote music for films, television, and theater productions and arranged music for various ensembles, including the Orchestre National de Jazz. He also composed and arranged music for his own ensembles, which showcased his unique blend of classical and jazz influences. In 1995, del Fra was appointed as the musical director of the Orchestre National de Jazz, a position he held for four years. During his tenure, he brought a fresh perspective to the ensemble and expanded its repertoire to include a wider range of musical styles. He also collaborated with renowned jazz musicians such as Dave Liebman, John McLaughlin, and Joe Lovano, which helped raise the profile of the ensemble. Del Fra's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1997, he was awarded the Django Reinhardt Prize for his outstanding contributions to jazz music. He was also awarded the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French government in 2001 for his services to the arts. Del Fra continues to be an active performer, composer, and arranger. He has released several albums as a leader and has collaborated with numerous musicians from around the world. He also teaches at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, where he shares his knowledge and experience with the next generation of musicians. In conclusion, Riccardo del Fra is a talented and versatile musician who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. His unique blend of classical and jazz influences has earned him recognition as one of the most innovative bassists of his generation. His contributions as a composer, arranger, and musical director have also helped shape the French jazz scene and have inspired countless musicians around the world.

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