A musical career spanning jazz clubs, orchestral concert halls and international collaborations has given Denise Mangiardi a remarkable creative perspective. Now, the pianist, vocalist and composer brings together decades of musical exploration on Apparitions, her ninth studio album, due for release in November 2026.
The new collection represents a deeply personal chapter for an artist whose work has consistently moved between musical traditions. Combining songwriting, piano performance, orchestration and arrangement, Mangiardi explores the relationship between composition and storytelling while continuing to expand her established musical identity.
A New Creative Collaboration
One of the defining elements of Apparitions is its collaboration with London-based producer and composer Chris Hyson.
Co-producing the album, Hyson brings a fresh perspective to Mangiardi’s arrangements, helping develop a sound that reflects both her musical experience and willingness to experiment.
The recording also features three songs made with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in Glasgow, marking a particularly significant experience in the development of the project.
From New York Jazz Clubs to International Concert Halls
Originally from Long Island, New York, Mangiardi began performing her own compositions at just 14, appearing at the legendary Bitter End in New York City.
She later studied piano and composition at Berklee College of Music before completing three master’s degrees, including further studies in composition at Trinity Laban in London and film scoring in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Throughout her career, she has worked with respected musicians including Jason Rebello, Jay Anderson, Mark Soskin, Harold Danko, Jerry Bergonzi and Johnny Vidacovich.
One particularly memorable moment came when she was performing in New York at the age of 24. Following a performance, legendary composer and arranger Gil Evans approached her with a piece of advice that would stay with her: never give up on music. He had been listening alongside Miles Davis.
An Artist Beyond Musical Boundaries
Mangiardi’s creative interests extend well beyond jazz performance. Her orchestral compositions include Songs of the Rainforest, dedicated to Ayrton Senna and commissioned by Orchestra Toronto for its 2013 Diamond Jubilee performance.
Her previous album, On The Brink, received recognition from All About Jazz for its combination of classical influences, jazz improvisation and expansive orchestral arrangements. She has also received praise from Chick Corea and acclaimed producer Al Schmitt.
Alongside her recording career, Mangiardi runs Alices Loft Music, a recording studio based between London and the Isle of Wight.
With Apparitions, she brings together these experiences in a project that reflects a lifetime of musical curiosity. It is another reminder that artistic development does not need to follow a single direction, particularly for musicians whose strongest work emerges from exploring different worlds.
