Born in Italy and now living in Canada, Claudio Vena could easily be called one of Canada's most versatile, accomplished musicians.

As a conductor, composer-arranger and recording artist, Claudio has delighted audiences and critics alike, around the world.

Claudio Vena was a founding member of the twice JUNO nominated Quartetto Gelato (recordings include: Quartetto Gelato, Rustic Chivalry and Aria Fresca). Recordings and concert repertoire for this renowned quartet are highlighted with the compositional and arranging talent of Claudio.

"...Che Gelida Manina...This is not only amazing performing but the scoring, now reduced to viola cello and oboe goes beyond clever to tour de force. Vena...is an astonishing brilliant arranger." Stephen Pedersen - HALIFAX MAIL-STAR

Claudio has held conducting posts with the Toronto production of Miss Saigon, the Huronia Symphony and the Hart House Orchestra (University of Toronto). In addition, he has made numerous conducting appearances with orchestras across Canada working with such artists as internationally acclaimed baritone Louis Quilico, Canadian guitarist Norbert Kraft, lyric tenor John McDermott and violinist Barry Shiffman of the St. Lawrence String Quartet.

 "...the Georgian Bay Symphony was a well tuned, disciplined musical instrument under guest conductor Claudio Vena" Phil McNichol - THE SUN TIMES

In addition to his work on stage, he has recorded a CD with Louis Quilico for which he wrote the arrangements and conducted the orchestra and chorus.

" (Ricordi D'Italia)......skilfully arranged and conducted by Claudio Vena" William Littler - TORONTO STAR

As a writer of film, television and radio music, his works have been credited to movies such as Only You, directed by Norman Jewison, the arts documentary Enigmatico and a film which debuted at the 1998 Toronto Film Festival, Boy Meets Girl directed by Jerry Ciccoritti.

His other film credits include, scoring the soundtrack to the feature film, Silver Man directed by Peter Foldy. He recently scored the soundtrack to the radio drama The Wanderers, produced by Damiano Pietropaulo for CBC RADIO (English and French).

Between 2002 - 2005, his music was broadcast daily accross Canada by the CBC television news shows The National, Canada Now and The Main Network News. He orchestrated, conducted, wrote and co-wrote all the music for these shows.

In the pop world, his collaborations have included, Alfie Zappacosta, Patricia O'Calighan, Blood Red Flower and Vega And The Cosmic Cowboys. He has performed on stage with Anne Murray, Alfie Zappacosta, Bocelli, Blue Rodeo, Domingo, Page and Plant, Pavarotti, Robert Michaels, Robert Pilon, Rod Stewart and Roger Hodgson of Supertramp.

His first solo CD entitled, La Vita E Un Circo was released in the fall of 2005. This CD contains all original compositions arranged for orchestra and soloist, with Claudio playing all the solo violin, viola and accordion parts.

" Elegant, sophisticated yet funny and amusing. It is a great portrait of emotions through life with its epic, dramatic moments, in contrast with mischief, amazing and funny sounds and instrumentations in a great balance of performance and inspiration." Carlos R Camunas - WRTU Radio Puerto Rico

" Already accomplished as a conductor, composer and recording artist, Mr. Vena can also now be recognized as a global musical virtuoso." Sean Ison - IRL Television, Newcastle Australia