After creating a sensation in Peter Grimes at the inauguration of the newly renovated Opéra Grand Avignon in autumn 2021, Federico Santi returned a few days ago to conduct Tosca. His performance was enthusiastically received by the public and the press, and here are a few extracts:

"The tension never wavers, and the conductor is able to convey the full range of sensuality and terror, drama and fury. Federico Santi's work is remarkable for its commitment and precision, its subtlety and colour. And we find ourselves discovering the counterpoint of the bass clarinet and contrabassoon during Scarpia's monologue, or other details that are in no way artificial but reveal a fascinating reading of the score. From the sweetness of the love duets between Tosca and Mario to the outburst of the Te Deum, from the terrifying torture scene to the Scarpia-Tosca confrontation, Federico Santi is first and foremost to thank for a fine Puccini evening. The chorus are perfect in their ensemble and musicality". (Première Loge, 08.04.24, link)

"In the pit, Italian conductor Federico Santi is a wonderful discovery. Nervous, full of contrasts, lyrical without ever being syrupy, well articulated, his conducting is marvellous. The Orchestre National Avignon-Provence, the Chorus and the Maîtrise de l'Opéra Grand Avignon are united in giving their very best. The richness of the writing and the sumptuous orchestration of the score are enhanced by the reading that is given: poetry, tenderness, but also liveliness, heightened tensions, masterfully conducted progressions, it's all there. And it's only natural that the Provençal audience, with its rare enthusiasm, should give a long standing ovation to all those involved in this undeniable success!" (Classique News, 10.04.24, link)

"The success of the show rests particularly on the musical and stage execution of the performers, under the baton of Federico Santi. During the first act, the slowness of the tempi is surprising at first, but we gradually appreciate the solidity of the musical discourse, making every aspect of the drama perceptible. The opening exchanges between Cavaradossi and Tosca, for example, breathe with every phrase and gesture. In the slightest gaps, the vocal and orchestral language finds its natural extension in the body language of the two performers. This is the most delicate and successful aspect of the production. (L'avant-scène Opéra, 07.04.24, link)

"Under the expert baton of Federico Santi, the Avignon-Provence orchestra gave a masterly performance of the score, highlighting Puccini's innate sense of drama". (Libre Théâtre, 07.04.24, link)

23.04.24

In 2021, to celebrate the reopening of its historic theatre, which had been completely restored after four years of work, Opéra Grand Avignon presented for the first time on its stage one of the greatest masterpieces of the 20th century: Benjamin Britten's Peter Grimes. And this production was generating enthusiasm, not least for its musical qualities. Extracts from the press:

“Under Federico Santi's baton, all the instrumentalists display unflagging concentration, and the conductor succeeds in balancing the volumes of the different sections in an enthralling alchemy.” (Bachtrack, 18.10.2021)

“Federico Santi, conducting the Orchestre National Avignon-Provence, manages to capture the essence of Britten's score. The orchestral textures are characterized, the dissonances underlined and the silences emphasized, so as to establish the dark, mysterious and disquieting atmosphere with a rich, spirited sound.” (Olyrix, 16.10.2021)

“Conducted by Federico Santi, the Orchestre National Avignon-Provence takes on the work with great assurance.” (ConcertClassic, 18.10.2021)

“The Orchestre National Avignon-Provence, in great shape under the baton of Federico Santi, gets off to a great start. The Sea Interludes are carefully crafted, and the stormy sea in the 1st act, with its mad violins, leaves no one indifferent..” (ResMusica, 19.10.2021)

“The Orchestre National Avignon-Provence is of course an essential protagonist in a work that was popularized in part thanks to the Sea Interludes that the composer brought together in a concert suite: conducted by Federico Santi, it rises to the challenge with panache and succeeds in conveying the work's full maritime palette. The conductor also finds the right tempo for the more dramatic scenes and moments of confrontation.” (Wanderer, 17.10.2021)

“The conductor, Federico Santi, did a wonderful job and it was a delight to hear. It was no coincidence that when the curtain fell, the orchestra immediately broke into applause for him.” (Première Loge, 16.10.2021)

“On the podium, Federico Santi skillfully chisels out the performance, never failing to strike the right balance with the voices.” (Anaclase, 17.10.2021)

Federico Santi will shortly be returning to the Opéra Grand Avignon to conduct the work of a composer he knows best, Tosca by Giacomo Puccini. Performances on 5, 7 and 9 April 2024.

27.02.24