Born in Toronto, Canada of Italian parentage, Francesco Milioto began playing the piano at age 7.  He entered the Royal Conservatory of Music for studies in history and theory, and was accepted into the piano studio of Gordon Hallett. Mr. Milioto earned his Bachelor’s of Music in piano performance (with Honors and Distinction) from the University of Western Ontario. He was awarded the top scholarship by the music faculty to study with Ronald Turini, pupil of the great Vladimir Horowitz.  It was at UWO that Mr. Milioto began to conduct, becoming the assistant conductor to the Symphony Orchestra and leading various ensembles in orchestral, operatic and contemporary works.

Mr. Milioto was invited by the head of Opera McGill to earn his Masters Degree in opera repetition and orchestral conducting at McGill University in Montreal.  He flourished as an accompanist and conductor.  As assistant to both the McGill Symphony Orchestra and the Contemporary Ensemble, Mr. Milioto led many concerts and world premieres. He also acted as accompanist, coach, chorus master and music director for productions by Opera McGill as well as the Early Music Ensemble. 

Mr. Milioto spent two summers at the Komische Kammer Oper Munchen where he worked as an accompanist, coach, chorus master and conductor.  He led productions of Tosca, Il Barbiere di Seviglia, Rigoletto, Il Matrimonio Segreto, and L’Occassione fa il Ladro.  It was his hard work and success with these productions that led to his first invitations as a music director in Chicago.  He soon became the Music Director of Opera Theater North, The Chicago Cultural Center Summer Operas, and assistant conductor to the Highland Park Strings.