Music Director
For nearly two decades, L'Acqua has served as Music Director to some of the world's most influential philanthropic foundations, curating the cultural programming and sonic landscape that elevates their global fundraising initiatives.
His work with amfAR, UNICEF, the Prince Albert II de Monaco Ocean Foundation, the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, UNITAS Human Trafficking Foundation, the New York Food Bank, and Steven Tyler's Janie's Fund represents some of the most meaningful work of his career, raising millions annually in support of health, social, and environmental causes worldwide.
amfAR Gala Venice 2025
On August 31, 2025, the amfAR Gala returned to Venice at the iconic Arsenale, bringing together art, fashion, music, and philanthropy in support of vital AIDS research. The evening featured a special performance by Ava Max, a soulful set from Paris Jackson, and was hosted by Colman Domingo. Honoree Julian Schnabel received the Award of Inspiration, with the auction presenting works by Schnabel, Andy Warhol, Jim Dine, Esther Mahlangu, and more, alongside exclusive travel and lifestyle experiences. Closing out the night’s creative programming, the musical direction was curated by Michaelangelo L’Acqua, ensuring an unforgettable soundtrack to a landmark evening.
amfAR’s 31st Cannes Gala 2025
Over 17 million dollars was raised for amfAR's AIDS research at the 31st amfAR Gala Cannes. Held at the iconic Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, the star-studded evening featured performances by Duran Duran, Ciara, and Adam Lambert, a fashion show curated by Carine Roitfeld, a live auction of luxury items and art, and musical direction by Michaelangelo L'Acqua.
amfAR’s 30th Anniversary Cannes 2024
Throughout its 30 year history, the amfAR Gala has raised over a quarter of a billion dollars for AIDS research, what host Demi Moore called "the most important single night in the fight against HIV." This year's event raised 16 million dollars through a collection of fashion, art, and exclusive experiences, supported by performances from Cher, Joe and Nick Jonas, and musical direction by amfAR Music Director Michaelangelo L'Acqua.
Chopard Oscars 2024
In an evening as high-wattage as the creations it celebrated, Chopard and Julia Roberts, with supporting host Elton John, took over Chateau Marmont to celebrate their inaugural collaboration. The partnership unveiled a parure co-designed by Chopard co-president and artistic director Caroline Scheufele and Julia Roberts, Chopard's global ambassador. Musical direction for the evening was curated by Michaelangelo L'Acqua.
amfAR Venice Gala 2023
amfAR amfAR returned to Venice on September 3, once again held in conjunction with the Venice Film Festival. Guests were treated to a black-tie seated gala dinner, a live auction of contemporary artworks and one-of-a-kind experiences, marquee performances by Rita Ora and Leona Lewis, and musical direction by Michaelangelo L'Acqua.
amfAR Cannes Gala 2023
The amfAR Gala Cannes is widely regarded as the only social event to rival the Met Gala. Held annually at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc during the Cannes Film Festival, it stands as one of the most high-profile evenings in the global social calendar, raising vital funds for AIDS research.
This year's gala was hosted by Queen Latifah, with performances by Halsey, Gladys Knight, Adam Lambert, and Bebe Rexha, and musical direction by Michaelangelo L'Acqua.
LuisaViaRoma x UNICEF Saint Barth Fundraiser 2022
LuisaViaRoma hosted the second winter edition of its LuisaViaRoma for UNICEF Gala in St. Barths on December 29, 2022, held at Emeraude St. Barths. The evening included a cocktail reception, gala dinner, and live auction featuring exclusive items, artwork, and experiences.
The night's performances were headlined by Lenny Kravitz and Drake, with musical direction by Michaelangelo L'Acqua. Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Naomi Watts, Billy Crudup, Luke Evans, Edward Enninful, Rita Ora, Karolina Kurkova, Kygo, Kiernan Shipka, Taika Waititi, Rachel Zoe, and Bob Sinclair.
LuisaViaRoma x UNICEF
Capri Gala 2022
Held at the historic Certosa di San Giacomo, this year's gala raised more than eight million euros for Ukrainian and Syrian relief efforts. Hosted by Jamie Foxx, the evening featured a performance by Jennifer Lopez and a DJ set by music director Michaelangelo L'Acqua.
amfAR Cannes Gala 2022
The amfAR Gala Cannes returned to the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes on May 26, 2022, raising 19 million dollars for amfAR's AIDS research programs. The evening featured performances by Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, and Charli XCX, with musical direction by Michaelangelo L'Acqua.
amfAR Gala
Palm Beach 2022.
On March 5, 2022, amfAR hosted its inaugural Gala Palm Beach. The intimate and exclusive evening featured a performance by Christina Aguilera, musical direction by Michaelangelo L'Acqua, a tribute to honoree Tommy Hilfiger, a cocktail reception, seated gala dinner, and a live auction of luxury experiences and contemporary art.
UNICEF Gala Capri 2021
LuisaViaRoma hosted the fourth edition of LuisaViaRoma for UNICEF at the Certosa San Giacomo in Capri. The evening featured a cocktail reception, gala dinner, and live auction of luxury items, with performances by Katy Perry and John Legend, and musical direction by Michaelangelo L'Acqua.
UNICEF St Barth Gala 2021
LuisaViaRoma hosted the fifth edition of LuisaViaRoma for UNICEF at Eden Rock, St. Barths. The evening featured a cocktail reception, gala dinner, and live auction of luxury items, with a performance by Dua Lipa and musical direction by Michaelangelo L'Acqua.
amfAR Gala Cannes 2021
The 27th annual amfAR Gala Cannes raised over 11 million dollars for AIDS research at Villa Eilenroc in Antibes on July 16. The evening was hosted by Sharon Stone, longtime amfAR Global Campaign Chair, who also served as auctioneer alongside Simon de Pury and Sandra Nedvetskaia. Alicia Keys headlined the performances, accompanied by a fashion show curated by Carine Roitfeld and musical direction by Michaelangelo L'Acqua.
amfAR Gala Los Angeles 2021
The amfAR Gala Los Angeles raised over 1.7 million dollars for HIV and AIDS research on November 4. The evening honored Moschino creative director Jeremy Scott, who received the Award of Courage from Madonna, presented in recognition of his longstanding commitment to amfAR and the fight against AIDS. Performances by OneRepublic and musical direction by Michaelangelo L'Acqua rounded out an extraordinary evening.
amfAR Gala Venice 2021
amfAR returned to the Venice Film Festival to host amfAR Venice, a celebration of Italian culture, style, art, and film. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception and dinner at the Arsenale before being transported by gondola to an exclusive program performed from a floating stage on the Venetian lagoon. The evening featured performances by Nicole Scherzinger and musical direction by Michaelangelo L'Acqua.
UNICEF Gala Capri 2020
LuisaViaRoma for UNICEF returned to La Certosa di San Giacomo in Capri on August 29 for an intimate evening of dinner, live auction, and exceptional live music. The program featured performances by Clean Bandit, Rita Ora, and a special appearance by Andrea Bocelli, with musical direction by Michaelangelo L'Acqua. The evening was hosted by LuisaViaRoma CEO Andrea Panconesi, UNICEF Italy Executive Director Paolo Rozera, and Fundraising Chairman Tommaso Chiabra, in celebration of UNICEF's work providing care and protection to vulnerable children worldwide.
amfAR Gala Cannes 2019
The 26th annual amfAR Gala Cannes raised 15 million dollars for HIV research at the Hôtel du Cap on May 23. The evening featured performances by Mariah Carey, Sir Tom Jones, Dua Lipa, The Struts, Charli XCX, and Austrian tenor Andreas Schager, a fashion show curated by Carine Roitfeld, and musical direction by Michaelangelo L'Acqua. To date, the amfAR Gala Cannes has raised more than 235 million dollars for AIDS research, keeping the fight against HIV at the forefront of the global conversation.
UNICEF Italia and LuisaViaRoma Summer Gala 2019
UNICEF Italia and LuisaViaRoma hosted the second UNICEF Summer Gala in Porto Cervo, Sardinia on August 9, 2019, raising 3.5 million euros in support of UNICEF's work protecting children's rights worldwide. Held at the Li Neuli Country Club, the evening featured a sunset cocktail reception, gala dinner, live auction, and performances by Ellie Goulding and Dame Shirley Bassey, with musical direction by Michaelangelo L'Acqua.
amfAR Gala Cannes 2018
The amfAR Gala Cannes 2018 at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc featured performances by Sting and Shaggy, Grace Jones, Ellie Goulding, and Jason Derulo, a fashion show curated by Carine Roitfeld, and musical direction by Michaelangelo L'Acqua.
The evening's live auction delivered extraordinary results. Carine Roitfeld's curated fashion looks sold as a collection for 1.7 million dollars. A Pierce Brosnan original painting fetched 1.4 million dollars. A restored 1964 S3 Bentley Convertible, introduced by Heidi Klum and Benicio Del Toro, sold for over 800,000 dollars. A Joe Bradley painting brought in nearly 1 million dollars.
amfAR Cannes,
The Red Fashion Collection
The 21st annual Cinema Against AIDS gala raised a record 35 million dollars for amfAR at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes on May 22, presented by Worldview Entertainment, Bold Films, and Bvlgari. The evening featured performances by Sting and Shaggy, Grace Jones, Ellie Goulding, and Jason Derulo, and a fashion show curated by Carine Roitfeld, with musical direction by Michaelangelo L'Acqua.
CR Fashion Book by Carine Roitfeld.
More than twenty years after first collaborating with Tom Ford's muse Carine Roitfeld, Michaelangelo L'Acqua continues to partner with her on the CR Fashion Book collections presented during the amfAR Gala Cannes at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc. A creative relationship that began at the intersection of fashion and music, and has endured across two decades of landmark cultural moments.
amfAR Gala Cannes 2019 by Carine Roitfeld
More than twenty years after first collaborating with Tom Ford's muse Carine Roitfeld, Michaelangelo L'Acqua continues to partner with her on the CR Fashion Book collections presented during the amfAR Gala Cannes at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc. A creative relationship that began at the intersection of fashion and music, and has endured across two decades of landmark cultural moments.
amfAR Cannes, Discothèque
The amfAR Disco Collection fashion show brought together an extraordinary roster of the world's most iconic houses, with looks from Burberry, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Diane von Furstenberg, DSQUARED2, Elie Saab, Fendi, Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Marchesa, Prada, Roberto Cavalli, Stella McCartney, Tom Ford, and Versace, with musical direction by Michaelangelo L'Acqua.
Le Défilé L'Oréal Paris 2018
"Le Défilé L'Oréal Paris": The Brand's First Fashion and Beauty Runway Show on the Champs-Élysées with music by Michaelangelo L’Acqua.
Yves Saint Laurent SS 2001 by Tom Ford.
Soundtrack by Onda, A.K.A Michaelangelo L’Acqua and Rene Arsenault.
Tom Ford’s Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Homme Fall Winter 2001-2002.
Soundtrack by Onda, A.K.A Michaelangelo L’Acqua and Rene Arsenault.