About
Milena is a French-Italian pianist and composer whose work blends jazz with folk and cinematic influences, creating a distinct and emotionally rich sound. Her musical journey began in Rome, where she studied jazz piano at the Saint Louis College of Music under the guidance of Pierpaolo Principato, Alessandro Gwis, Rosario Giuliani and Luca Bulgarelli. During her early years, she performed at some of the city’s most iconic jazz venues, including Alexander Platz and Casa del Jazz.
In 2020, she moved to London to complete a Master’s degree at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where she deepened her skills in piano and composition with mentors such as Nikki Iles, Scott Stroman, and Simon Purcell. Since then, she has steadily become part of the London music scene —collaborating with fellow artists, composing original works, and leading her own band.
Milena’s debut album, set for release in 2026, marks a significant step in her artistic path. The project brings together five other talented musicians: Aitzi Cofre Real (vocals), Harry Toulson (alto sax), James Pettinger (accordion), Ali Watson (double bass), and Ollie Peszynski (drums). The music moves away from traditional jazz structures, embracing a more expansive sound world shaped by Milena’s eclectic influences. With lyrical, wordless melodies and richly layered harmonies, her compositions invite listeners on a journey through introspective, melancholic, yet uplifting emotional landscapes. She often cites Maria Schneider, Nikki Iles, and John Taylor as influences on her writing.
The group has already performed at top London venues such as the Vortex Jazz Club, Pizza Express Jazz Club, and the EFG London Jazz Festival.
Beyond her own projects, Milena is a regular collaborator with Basque singer-songwriter Bea Asurmendi, whose debut album was released in May 2025. The quintet, active since 2022, has performed extensively across London and the Basque Country, with recent appearances at venues such as Crazy Coqs and Alfie’s for the Soho Jazz Festival.
Milena is also involved in a multidisciplinary performance project alongside actress Marianna Granci and painter Laure Fissore. Together, they are creating a live performance that blends music, spoken or sung poetry, and visual art to transform melancholy into moments of life. The project has taken them to artist residencies in Switzerland (Lelabō, Lausanne) and France.
She is also a member of The London Vocal Project, a leading jazz vocal ensemble led by Pete Churchill, through which she has collaborated with artists including Norma Winstone, Dave Holland, and The Printmakers.