Born in Domodossola, Italy, in 1966, Gianni Arfacchia began to study jazz drums at the age of 6, achieving later the diploma of percussion with best votes at the Conservatory “Giuseppe Verdi” of Milan. He was then immediately asked to play upon important roles in the well known Percussion Ensemble of Franco Campioni within the Conservatory.

In 1996 he won the International Contest as percussionist at Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala of Milan. Since then he works intensively with the Orchestra Filarmonica del Tetro alla Scala and with the Percussion Ensemble of La Scala. This role has inevitably made him gain acquaintance with musicians and conductors world known and has produced collaborations and projects in classic music such as The Percussion Classic Duo with percussionist Paolo Pasqualin, as well as research and experimentations like in the AriTrio where he is accompanied by Mario Marzi and Simone Zanchini, where one finds examples from Piazzolla to Chick Corea, from ragtimes to Spanish original music.

In 2003 he figures as soloist in the Cd Il Galateo della Percussione, (The bon ton of the Percussion), a work which makes the most out of the resources and timbre variety of the world of Percussion.

At present he holds master classes and seminars throughout Italy.

Paolo Pasqualin in 1988 wins the First Prize at the International Contest in Stresa, in 1990 wins the Audition for The Wind Orchestra of the European Community and after achieving the Diploma at the Milan Conservatory “Giuseppe Verdi” with Ben Omar he specializes in Tympani with David Searcy.

He also attended various Masters held by David Friedman, Michael Rosen, Mike Quinn, Roberto Evangelisti, and also pursued the study of the Drum Kit with Enrico Lucchini, Carlo Sola, Everett Sangoma.

This double role (percussionist – drummer) brings about collaborations with top personages of the musical environment: from Luciano Berio to Chick Corea, from the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Theatre La Scala of Milan to Steve Reich, from Luciano Pavarotti to Ennio Morricone, from the Ater Ballet to Milva, from the Rai Orchestra to the Duo Canino-Ballista, from Gary Burton to Lella Costa, from Steve Gadd to David Riondino, from Ramberto Ciammarughi to Moni Ovada and various groups such as Sentieri Selvaggi, Solistinsieme, Nextime Ensemble, Aisha Quartet, I Virtuosi Italiani, recording with them many European and Italian premières and performing in many important festivals.

Since 2000 he has been 1st Timpanist and Percussionist of Pavarotti & Friends where he had chance to meet big stars of the international pop music scene.

Since 1992 he has been teaching Percussion at the Conservatory of Como.

Paolo Pasqualin is an official endorser of Ufip Earcreated Cymbals.