Classical Music and a world-class orchestra in Rome
When it comes to great music around the world, Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia is at the top of its class. It’s an Italian excellence. An academy that houses the treasures of music, a place where you are transported by culture. Not to mention it’s one of the oldest musical institutions worldwide. Since its foundation in 1585, Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia has evolved from an organization of mostly local musicians to a modern academy and symphonic concert organization, earning itself international acclamation.
The Orchestra has been conducted by some of the major musical figures of the 20th century: from Mahler, Debussy, Saint-Saëns, Strauss, Stravinsky, Sibelius, Hindemith, Toscanini, Furtwängler, De Sabata, Karajan and Abbado to the most impressive performers of our day including Gergiev, Thielemann, Dudamel and Temirkanov.
The Academy unites 100 of the brightest exponents of culture and music with a symphonic orchestra and chorus that are among the most prominent worldwide. It carries out high-standing professional musical training and conserves an extremely rich historical patrimony, reflecting its own multi-century history. It’s impossible not to be fascinated by their performances. And it’s not only the music that will take your breath away, the concert hall is just as beautiful as the sounds you will hear. The venue is a pearl of modern architecture and boasts perfect acoustics for a memorable experience. With 250 performances year round, Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia offers a wide range of cultural and musical events, including chamber concerts and operas in concert version.
Daniele Harding: new music Director
The new 2024-25 season of the Accademia opens with a significant leadership transition: Daniel Harding takes over from Sir Antonio Pappano as the new Music Director of the Orchestra and Chorus of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia. Harding, who served as Music Director of the Orchestre de Paris from 2016 to 2019 and as Principal Guest Conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra from 2007 to 2017, will open the season with Tosca and will lead seven productions in Rome, along with two European tours.
For all classical music and symphonic repertoire enthusiasts who are in the Bel Paese, an evening at Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia is a must.
2024-2025 SEASON
The concert program of the Accademia di Santa Cecilia is truly packed, covering a wide variety of styles and eras, with a shift toward contemporary pieces that undoubtedly appeal to a more diverse audience.
If the October opening dates are all dedicated to the celebration of the centenary of Giacomo Puccini’s death and his Tosca, from November the schedule becomes much more varied, featuring both great and new names.
Returning to the Santa Cecilia podium are Myung-Whun Chung and Daniele Gatti. Chung will conduct Brahms’ Violin Concerto (with Sergey Khachatryan) on January 9, 11, and 12, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 (January 9, 11, and 12), and Rossini’s Stabat Mater (January 16-18). Gatti, on the other hand, will lead performances of works by Brahms and Bruckner (May 15-17).
The new Chamber Music Season offers a broad selection of Italian and international music. Special mention goes to violinist Joshua Bell, the third musician in the long history of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia to be named Artist in Residence. The American musician will participate in three concerts, two as part of the chamber music season and one in the symphonic season, and will also join a European tour with Daniel Harding and the Orchestra of Santa Cecilia. Instrumental ensembles will also be featured: the Freiburger Barockorchester performing Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos (October 30, 2024), La Lira d’Orfeo with Handel’s Rodelinda (November 22, 2024), the Quartetto Indaco performing Brahms’ String Quartet No. 3, Op. 67 and Martucci’s Piano Quintet (January 15, 2025), and the Santa Cecilia Choir.
Highlights of the upcoming season include a performance by Martha Argerich and cellist Mischa Maisky (December 9, 2024) and the return of world-renowned conductors such as Gustavo Dudamel (The Nutcracker, December 19-21, 2024) and Semyon Bychkov (Bach’s Mass in B minor, November 14-16, 2024). Not to mention internationally acclaimed soloists like Argerich, Sokolov, Maisky, and Andsnes.
Making their debut this year are three young talents: 23-year-old violinist Daniel Lozakovich and 21-year-old cellist Ettore Pagano, who will perform Brahms’ Double Concerto for Violin and Cello conducted by 31-year-old Thomas Guggeis on March 13, 14, and 15.
For the full schedule, visit the official website and choose the musical experience that speaks to you, for an evening in a true temple of music history.
Address: Auditorium Parco della Musica – Viale Pietro de Coubertin, 30
