composer
MURIEL
MARCO
explorer
Where structure and intuitive reception merge into a dynamic, global sound that is both soulfully energetic and spiritually resonant—the moment where music begins to compose itself.
ABOUT
Rhythmic compass
Argentinian-born composer and pianist Muriel Marco forges a unique sonic language at the intersection of continents. With over two decades in South Africa, where she studied Jazz Composition at the University of Cape Town, her work is a profound fusion of African rhythms, Latin expression, and intricate architectural patterns.Her discography spans solo and collaborative projects, including the ND Project (EP Muri, album Fractal Sonoro), Tucan Tucan (Xiluva and Make a difference albums), and the award-winning "Babel's Time" single. Her latest work, "Four Movements" (四つの響き), is a cinematic EP born from the immersive contrasts of Tokyo, capturing the city's silent rituals and neon chaos through a polyrhythmic, transformative soundscape.A recipient of the Golden Horn Award (SAFTA), Cancionero Federal prize, and grants from the Fondo Nacional de las Artes and INAMU, her compositions have graced stages worldwide—from the Cape Town International Jazz Festival and Villa Celimentana in Rome to the FIFA World Cup Gala—and screens on major networks and Netflix.Now based in Shanghai, Muriel's compositional journey exists at the confluence of lived experience, embodied philosophy, and sonic architecture. Her practice is a continuous exploration of the space where life's journey, mindful discipline, and musical creation become one inseparable flow—giving voice to a global sound that is both soulfully energetic and spiritually resonant.
the process behind the sound
Sonic Alchemy: Transforming kalimbas into complex grooves, weaving throat singing with jazz harmony—where every element finds its place in the rhythm.
Check my creative process on social media
PROJECTS
四つの響き | FOUR MOVEMENTS
Cinematic EP & Live Experience | 2025
Artistic Core: A sonic journey born from Tokyo's immersive contrasts—from silent shrines to neon chaos.In each composition of this new EP, Muriel captures the atmosphere of Tokyo city— moments of shock, stillness, beauty, and intensity—woven together into a sonic journey. At its core, the EP is about transformation: from dreamlike wonder to primal rhythm, from spiritual awakening to the electric pulse of the night. The music is polyrhythmic, layered, and cinematic, yet always deeply human.“Tokyo city—a paradox. I felt silence and chaos, solitude and neon, ritual and speed all collide around me.Time seemed infinite and fleeting, eternal and minimal, all in the same breath.”
immersive live experience
A scalable performance evolving from an intimate solo set with live-looping to a full ensemble with visual artists, featured at venues such as Club Paraguay and Teatro Ciudad de las Artes, Cordoba, Argentina and the Bloom Music Festival in Hangzhou, China.
ND PROJECT | 34° South Resonance
World Jazz Project | 2020 to present
Artistic Core: Charting a sonic course along the 34th parallel—where African rhythms and Argentinian soul converge in a dance of continents.An innovative fusion project weaving together Maskandi guitar lines, Kwassa Kwassa, and highlife rhythms with the diverse sounds of Argentinian heritage—from the urban passion of Buenos Aires Tango to the folkloric patterns of Northwestern Chacarera. All framed through Jazz arrangements that create a global sonic language.
The project's standout work, "Babel's Time," earned the Cancionero Federal Award, selected from over 2,500 entries. The piece is a cross-cultural masterpiece that blends Xhosa-inspired pentatonic melodies with intricate, layered rhythmic structures. It was recorded in Buenos Aires through the prestigious Cancionero Federal program and produced by a team of engineers recognized with both Gardel and Latin Grammy awards.
The track features the legendary BC Manjunath, a virtuoso percussionist and celebrated master of the Kannakol (Konnakol) art form, whose rhythmic genius elevates the composition's complex architecture.
Immersive world Fusion live
A dynamic stage presentation that has toured internationally, connecting continents through rhythm. A vibrant, infectious show powered by the grooves of Highlife and the driving syncopation of Chacarera. The fusion takes unexpected turns—like reinventing Piazzolla's "La Muerte del Ángel" with drum and bass energy—while maintaining the spiritual foundation of Mbira patterns. The result is a rhythmically sophisticated yet immediately accessible celebration that connects with audiences on a visceral level.The project has been recognized with Becas Creación (FNA) and INAMU grants, with performances spanning SIM São Paulo, IMESUR Chile, tours across South Africa, the Córdoba Jazz Festival, and JZ Club in Shanghai.
AWARDS
Honors and awards
Honored with prestigious awards across film, composition, and cultural innovation.• Golden Horn Award (SAFTA) – Best Original Composition for Confessions of a Gambler
• Cancionero Federal Award – Babel's Time selected from 2,500+ entries
• Fondo Nacional de las Artes – Creation Grant: ND PROJECT
• Fondo Nacional de las Artes – Creation Grant: ORIGINJAZ
• INAMU – Audiovisual Scholarship - ND PROJECT
• INAMU – Audiovisual Scholarship - ORIGINJAZ
• SIM São Paulo & IMESUR Chile – International Music Market Fellowships
MUSIC
Listen
CONTACT
Connect
For commissions, collaborations, and bookings, I welcome your connection.Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @murimarco