Sebastian Bottone brings innovation and integrity to new heights as an artist. Admired for his “great sensitivity,” “remarkable control,” and “some of the finest hymn-playing imaginable,” Sebastian delivers commanding performances on both piano and harpsichord, along with deeply-inspired liturgical playing.
In 2022, Sebastian graduated from The Hartt School with a degree in Composition, in addition to studying piano with Paul Rutman. In addition, Sebastian became acquainted with the harpsichord maker Steven Sørli, and has since brought harpsichord playing to the forefront of his work.
A specialist in Baroque keyboard music, Sebastian is an immense advocate for the music of Handel, Haydn, and composers such as Pachelbel and Buxtehude. His most recent album features several suites by Böhm and is the first commercially-available recording of these pieces on the modern piano.
As a pianist, Sebastian also holds contemporary music close to his heart. Tackling the monumental Vingt Regards sur l’Enfant-Jésus by Messiaen is a life-shattering task, but that could not stop Sebastian Bottone, who performed the suite in all of its glory at the age of 24. As a composer, Sebastian juxtaposes the early and the modern, nuanced with his love for a wide range of genres.
Sebastian is deeply committed to bringing Baroque and contemporary music to a wide audience. He regularly attends open mics at Pump House Music Works in Wakefield, Rhode Island. Here he has given world premieres of his works, such as “Sonata-Paragon,” “Three Romances for Denver,”and “The Six Murders of Charles Ives.”
An esteemed audio engineer, Sebastian has produced recordings for Ira Braus and Curt Cacioppo. He also works alongside Steven Sørli to engineer recordings of newly built harpsichords, including “Lautensweets,” dedicated to Steven’s 50th year of building keyboard instruments.
Sebastian is the Director of Music at St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea in Little Compton, Rhode Island.
