Thanks to the accomplishments of the Milan State University Orchestra, conducted by Alessandro Crudele, the Aula Magna hall, via Festa del Perdono, has been transformed into a harmonious location for concerts over the past several years.
Thanks to the accomplishments of the Milan State University Orchestra, conducted by Alessandro Crudele, the Aula Magna hall, Via Festa del Perdono, has been transformed into a harmonious location for concerts over the past several years .
“The orchestra was established in the year 2000 with the ambition to link the students’ remarkable musical talents with a high level of instruction. Alfio Bosatra, who is in charge of the university’s cultural initiatives, and I dreamt of offering musicians registered at this university the opportunity to continue in a serious manner—that is, playing with renowned soloists and under the instruction of conductors of significant importance. In an effort to reach a broader audience, admission to all of the concerts during our season has been free, which has yielded tremendous results.”
Who pays the bills?
“The University supports us and the local authorities also contribute. However, it is the Foundation Cariplo that sustains us—for which, we owe them many thanks.”
How will the season start this year?
"We are proud to have the honor of receiving Kolja Blacher—a great violinist, who has been the concertmaster of the Berliner Philharmoniker for years. Together with him, we are going to play the Concert of Brahms. Then, alone, we will present the first, almost unknown version of what became the Fourth Symphony of Schumann.”
What do you anticipate and hope to work on for next season?
“Artistically, we would like to continue collaborating with great musicians like Blacher, from the Berliner Philharmoniker. Regarding the program, we would like to maintain our diverse musical repertoire while focusing on two important composers of the 20th century—namely, the French and English composers Oliver Messiaen and Vaughan Williams. Both of whom, have anniversaries approaching.”
If some years ago Maestro Alessandro Crudele had been asked about the future of the Statale Orchestra, perhaps he would not have bet on it. Insead, for nearly 10 years since its creation, the group has earned a good reputation both among the staff and classical music lovers thanks to the numerous concerts. They have even organized international events such as the future concert in favour of Unicef taking place on 25th September. It will be performed on the stage of the Milan Auditorim by the Brno Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Crudele.
If some years ago Maestro Alessandro Crudele had been asked about the future of the Statale Orchestra, perhaps he would not have bet on it. Insead, for nearly 10 years since its creation, the group has earned a good reputation both among the staff and classical music lovers thanks to the numerous concerts. They have even organized international events such as the future concert in favour of Unicef taking place on 25th September. It will be performed on the stage of the Milan Auditorium by the Brno Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Crudele.
"When I and some friends of mine - says the Maestro - put together and set up this group, we could never have imagined taht a small reality like ours would succeed and be recognized on international level - it was an unattainable dream". But after some years of hard work I told myself "you'll see us playing at the Berlin Philharmonie one day" "Well, we haven't arrived in Berlin yet but in 2009 we are going to Tonhalle in Zurich, which is another temple of european classical music".
It is a great statisfaction for him and the 40 musicians who make up the orchestra: present and ex univesity students, ages ranging from 20 to 30, with one great passion. "Right from the beginning I sensed the potential of this group that now has become very close. There is a mutual understanding among us and our repertoire is growing and becoming more consolidated."
In fact, now the Orchestra attracts crowds that fill the halls, and its frame, together with the acclaimed conductor, draws sponsors' attention and important names: to the extent of giving a concert for charity purposes. The appointment, which is organized in collaboration with the General Consulate of the Czech Republic, will take place at 20.30 on Tuesday at the Milan Auditorium in Largo Mahler square. Alena Seredova, the patroness of the event, will represent her own country of origin as ambassador.
Admission to the concert is in the form of an offer in favour of children and all funds collected are destined to charity purposes. "Important sponsors have been asked to contribute to the financing of the event - says the Maestro - in order to destine all the takings to children's charities. This event represents a great challenge for the University orchestra: a demonstration of an appeal to renown orchestras and international associations. We would like to consolidate this partnership with Unicef - concludes Maestro Crudele - in order to become a fixed music appointment with time".
Anna Tipaldi
