Founded in 2022, Duo Mimesi is a dynamic Italian piano duo formed by Federico Bucaioni and Gioia Barbera. Combining virtuosity, expressive depth, and refined ensemble playing, the duo captivates audiences with performances marked by brilliance, precision, and strong artistic intensity. Both pianists graduated with highest honors and distinction from leading Italian conservatories.

Federico Bucaioni earned top distinctions in Piano at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome and in Chamber Music at the Licinio Refice Conservatory, developing a solid artistic identity deeply rooted in collaborative performance. His musical activity also includes significant collaborations, most notably with the renowned bandoneonist Héctor Ulises Passarella, with whom he performed at the prestigious Teatro Verdi in Sassari and at the Forum Theatre in Rome.

Gioia Barbera graduated with highest honours, distinction, and special mention from the Licinio Refice Conservatory in Frosinone, performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with orchestra as part of her final examination. She is currently completing a Master’s degree in Chamber Music at the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole and, together with Federico Bucaioni, a three-year advanced specialization program in Piano Performance at the Accademia di Musica di Pinerolo with internationally renowned artists.

Despite its recent formation, Duo Mimesi has already established a significant international presence, performing in Italy, Spain, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom to enthusiastic public and critical acclaim. In January 2025, the duo was invited to India, where they performed at the prestigious Mazda Hall in Pune and at the Deshmukh Auditorium of the India International Centre, concerts that achieved remarkable success.

In 2025, Duo Mimesi was awarded the First Absolute Prize (100/100) at the international chamber music competition Francavilla Fontana – Città degli Imperiali, resulting in an invitation to perform a prize concert in May 2026. Their international activity continues to expand, with a major tour scheduled for July 2026 across Australia and New Zealand, including performances in Canberra, Sydney, Adelaide, and Newcastle. In Newcastle, the duo will appear twice at the prestigious Newcastle Music Festival: once in a duo recital and once performing Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle alongside internationally renowned artists.

With a repertoire ranging from the great classics of the piano duo tradition to brilliant contemporary works, Duo Mimesi stands out for its powerful musical synergy, stylistic versatility, and compelling stage presence, positioning the ensemble as a sought-after act for international festivals and concert series.

AT THE FESTIVAL