Teatro Colon’s Institute of Advanced Studies in Art

A Columbus, Ohio resident, Alessandro Siciliani is a world-renowned musical conductor whose accomplishments include winning the coveted Amerigo Vespucci Award, which is given to Italian conductors of international distinction, in 1992. He has performed at Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. Maestro Alessandro Siciliani also directed Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony as the principal guest conductor for Teatro Colón’s orchestra.

Based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Teatro Colón’s platform also includes El Instituto Superior de Arte del Teatro Colón (ISATC), or Institute of Advanced Studies in Art. Established in the late 1800s, Teatro Colón is considered to be one of the important opera houses in the world ranking in comparison to the Paris Opera House, Teatro alla Scala in Milan, New York’s Metropolitan Opera House, and the Royal Opera House in London.

ISATC would get its origins in the theater’s choral and dance academies under the direction of Carlos Lopez Buchardo in 1919. The school would not actually come into fruition until 1960 when its mission would be to establish lyrical arts, choreography, and chamber and symphonic music.

Today, ISATC’s purpose is to maintain its tradition of excellence, which has established the academy as a world-class institute. The school prepares its students for professions in dance, singing, orchestral education, and operatic direction. ISATC’s projects focus on a body of work that include recitals and concerts performed at Teatro Colón and in venues around Buenos Aires and the country.

Essential Skills for a Principal Conductor

A resident of Columbus, Ohio, Maestro Alessandro Siciliani is the son of famous opera patron and conductor Francesco Siciliani. An accomplished artist in his own right, Alessandro Siciliani served as the music director of the Columbus Symphony for over a decade.

Although there is no “correct” way to interpret a musical work, there are certain skills that conductors need to possess to be successful. For example, conductors need to have a high level of mastery of at least one musical instrument. Developing the insight required to interpret a piece is difficult without experiencing it from the performer’s perspective.

Conductors also need to have well-developed listening skills and a finely-tuned ear for discerning problems in orchestral intonation, balance, and color. Moreover, an understanding of all of the instruments in orchestral performance and practical experience in composing are key skills.

Conductors must be comfortable using a baton or other implement to effectively maintain the rhythm, line, and structure of compositions. Additionally, conductors should be able to give practical direction in rehearsals and have an awareness of their podium presence and body language as it ties into the quality of the music-making process.