Originally from Italy, Mauro Basilio has pursued a highly diverse musical education: cello, guitar, oud, early instruments (luths, fiddles, chalumeaux), percussions (frame drums, stick drums), and computer-assisted music.
This multifaceted approach has led him to explore intersections between early and contemporary music, written and improvised forms, and to engage in film and stage music composition.
Since 1996, in Turin, he has worked with the ensemble “Galinverna” on researching early and traditional music, resulting in the release of five CDs.
In 2004, he founded and began directing the “Orchestra di Porta Palazzo”, a multicultural big band bringing together musicians from migrant backgrounds in Turin; in 2008, he joined the progressive folk group “Tendachënt”, led by folk revival pioneer Maurizio Martinotti; in 2009, he began collaborating with world music artist Tate Nsongan in his Trio.
He moved to Berlin in 2010, where he created the concept “Imaginary Africa”, a multi-format project (ranging from solo to quartet) that blends African music, jazz, electro, rock, and free improvisation, and occasionally incorporates live painting or dance performances. In 2017, he released the album Imaginary Africa Trio.
In 2012, he was invited to collaborate with Italian singer Mara Redeghieri on the recording of the album Recidiva.
Based in Paris since 2013, he is a member of the free-jazz big band “Healing Orchestra” led by Paul Wacrenier. He also accompanies singer Celinn in her animist pop music and singer Haim Isaacs in a concert focused on the songs of Joni Mitchell. He collaborates with numerous musicians in improvisational music projects.
He composes, performs live, or records music for shows, documentaries, and films, he collaborates with various circus, theatre, and dance companies (including Académie Fratellini, Compagnie Oposito, and L’Envolée Cirque, among others).
He recorded his prepared cello and contributed creative ideas to the original soundtrack of the TV series Devil in Disguise (USA, 2025), produced by Peacock. The music was created by Leopold Ross and Nick Chuba, recipients of HMMA and SCL Awards and nominees for the Emmys and Grammys for the TV series Shōgun.