Enrico Intra (Milan, 1935) is a pianist, composer, conductor and arranger. Widely regarded as one of the leading figures of Italian and European jazz, he has developed over more than six decades an original musical language that combines improvisation, timbral exploration and compositional rigour.
After his early career in the 1950s, he established himself as a central figure in the Italian jazz scene, collaborating with musicians such as Gerry Mulligan, Franco Cerri, Enrico Pieranunzi, David Liebman, Franco Ambrosetti and Severino Gazzelloni. Among his most significant recordings is Archetipo (1969), considered a landmark of European jazz. His artistic output also encompasses orchestral and chamber music, explorations of Gregorian chant, electronic music and interdisciplinary projects.
Alongside his concert activity, Intra has played a crucial role in the development of jazz education in Italy. Together with Franco Cerri and Maurizio Franco, he founded the cultural association Musica Oggi, from which the Civici Corsi di Jazz of Milan originated, now recognised among Europe’s leading jazz institutions. For many years he also directed the Civica Jazz Band, collaborating with some of the most important international jazz performers.
His compositional catalogue includes works for orchestra, jazz ensembles, chamber groups, choir and solo instruments. While deeply rooted in the jazz tradition, his music maintains a constant dialogue with the European classical heritage, resulting in a distinctive artistic voice that occupies a unique place in contemporary music.
For Casa Musicale Sonzogno he has published 5 Piccoli Improvvisi for piano and violin, created in collaboration with Leonardo Moretti.
