born in 1988 in Zug, Switzerland, completed his music studies at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts with Prof. Markus Wüest in 2014, graduating with distinction. For over a decade, he has been shaping the musical landscape as a bass trombonist, initially with the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich, from 2014 on with Basel Symphony Orchestra and since 2022 as the principal bass trombonist with the renowned Gewandhausorchester in Leipzig. His ability to establish the bass trombone as an innovative and expressive instrument has earned him performances with orchestras such as the Swiss Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Sinfonia Baden, Basel Symphony Orchestra as well as appearances on international stages, including the Puplinge Classique Festival and at the University of Redlands in California. He also impressed at the International Trombone Festival 2018 at the University of Iowa with “SlideSticks Trio” which he founded and currated for several years.
Catalano’s artistic excellence has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Friedl Wald Foundation’s sponsorship award in Basel and the Edwin Fischer Memorial Prize. His commitment to musical education is reflected in his role as a globally sought-after lecturer for master classes in crossover, orchestral playing, and chamber music.