Frank Russo was born in San Francisco, California, in 1954. He studied piano as a child, but playing piano was neither a natural talent nor an abiding love. At age 15 he began to compose music, and that became his passion. In classes at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, a teacher recommended a course of study with Nadia Boulanger in France. In 1975, he moved to Paris to study theory and solfege to study with her, and she instilled a lasting fascination for the music of Bach, Ravel and Stravinsky.
In 1977, Russo moved to New York City to study with David Diamond at the Juilliard School. The desire to evolve beyond Diamond's prescribed conservatory ethic led to his meeting Louis Weingarden, a student of Elliot Carter. Russo continued his studies with Vincent Persichetti at Juilliard and completed his masters in 1981. In 1988, Russo met Lou Harrison, who became a mentor.
Russo has written vocal, choral, as well as secular and sacred music for various
ensembles. His chamber work, PRIMUM MOBILE for 2 flutes and 13 strings, will be released in February 2005 by ERM Media.