Antonio Breschi

Antoni O'Breskey (born Antonio Breschi) is an Italian pianist, composer, singer and writer. He is known for his piano-driven cross-cultural compositions, blending ethnic traditions with jazz and classical influences. He introduced piano improvisation within Irish traditional music and flamenco, and he is regarded as one of the originators and leading figures of the world music and new-age genres. As a composer he has written over 300 works, spanning Celtic, flamenco, neoclassical and minimalist styles.

Trained in jazz and classical music from a young age, O'Breskey graduated in piano from the Luigi Cherubini Conservatory in Florence.

Throughout a five-decade career, he has produced albums and shows that integrate Irish, Arabic, flamenco, jazz, Latin and Basque traditions, contributing to the innovation of Irish music and various contemporary genres. His compositions have been used as soundtracks for television, theatre and ballet, and they have also been employed in therapeutic settings. His strong connection to Ireland led him to adopt the name Antoni O'Breskey, and he performs as the leader of his ensemble Nomadic Piano Project.

O'Breskey pioneered cross-cultural fusions that were later associated with world music, and his early works are credited with anticipating Riverdance and providing a key structural influence for the show. He has released over 40 albums that feature prominent musicians from a wide range of global musical traditions, including Ronnie Drew (The Dubliners), José Seves (Inti-Illimani), Antonio Carmona (Ketama), Benito Lertxundi, Gabin Dabiré and Ali Tajbakhsh. In 2026, he celebrated his 50th anniversary as a musician and composer through the release of the three-volume compilation 50 Years of Music, and a screening of a new documentary about his musical career titled The Piano Nomad, directed by Luke McManus.

In addition to music, O'Breskey has written books, earned a degree in herbal medicine, and worked in music education and social work, including roles such as cook, actor, poet and humanist advocate.