The Orchestra stands out among the Academy's artistic ensembles. The Orchestra is engaged in a busy calendar of concerts and events. Every two years its staff is renewed and more than sixty new young musicians start a free advanced course that leads them to tackle the most important titles in the symphonic, opera and ballet repertoire under the guidance of the world's best-known directors.
For the Hall of Fame we went into the wind section and met the young maestro Lorenzo d'Antò.
Lorenzo, how did you find the Academy's Advanced course for Orchestra Musicians and what prompted you to audition to participate?
I knew about the Course for orchestra musicians since it is now a reference point for young Italian musicians. I decided to audition because since childhood I have always dreamed to be a part of a big orchestra. I saw the Academy as a great opportunity to grow and learn this wonderful job.
What is the most exciting memory you retain from this period of study?
There are indeed many, but I will certainly always remember my first concert with the Academy, on October 24, 2020. Before the concert, we were backstage and the Teatro alla Scala Superintendent, Dominique Meyer, thanked us for the effort, despite the difficulties of the lockdown, which in those very days saw one of the darkest moments of the pandemic.
That same night during the concert, a Prime Ministerial Decree was issued instituting a curfew and "the closure of theatres, concert halls and cinemas, even outdoors".
Before entering, the orchestra director, maestro Pietro Mianiti, told us to enjoy ourselves because it could have been 'the last concert' for a long time. We took it literally and I still retain a memory of the unique strength and emotion shared by all the musicians on stage that evening.
After the concert the Superintendent told the audience: "We have to get through this strange and difficult moment. Tonight, our young musicians bring us a sign of hope: I have found a wonderful orchestra".
Luckily, his words were a good omen, and in time the Academy's artistic activity fully resumed, amidst buffers and masks, allowing us to perform in the Italian pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai during a splendid tour of the Arab Emirates.
And after the Academy? Where do you play today?
Shortly before finishing at the Academy I won my first auditions for the role of first flute in some of the most important Italian institutions. An itinerant period began, in which I had the pleasure of playing with fantastic musicians and important orchestra directors in various Opera-symphony Foundations.
In October 2023, I won the competition for permanent first flute in the Orchestra della Fondazione Arena di Verona, in which I have the pleasure of playing.
Tell us about your job: what is it like to work in an Orchestra?
Being an orchestra musician is a constant thrill. Sharing, listening and confrontation between colleagues is fundamental to the orchestration process. It creates a safe environment based on mutual respect.
At the same time with the interpretation of musical phrases in accordance with the conductor's instructions eveyone has the opportunity to express themselves in a personal way.
In your opinion, what characteristics and approach do you need to have in order to best experience an educational path such as the Academy's two-year Advanced course?
You certainly need a lot of passion and perseverance to learn all that the Academy offers. I think it is important to feel 100 per cent part of the project and to experience it fully in order to understand what it means to be part of an orchestra.
