After thirty years spent among the lecterns and major productions of the Teatro Lirico di Cagliari, the time has come for Filippo Gianfriddo to embark on a new artistic challenge. Born in Florence but now Sardinian by adoption, the 51-year-old musician will make his official conducting debut tomorrow at 9:00 PM in the Church of San Pietro Apostolo in Forlimpopoli, leading the Orchestra La Corelli in the world premiere of "Vita Nova," a composition by Alessandro Salandrini. This is a particularly significant debut for the Cagliari Lirico's timpanist, who, after a long orchestral career, will be appearing before an audience for the first time on the podium. The performance will be repeated on Sunday at 11:00 AM in the Foyer Teatro Pedrini in Brisighella, once again leading the ensemble from Romagna. This marks a significant milestone in Gianfriddo's career, built over decades of music experience between the stage, orchestra, and conducting studio.
An ambassador from Sardinia on the podium
"I enjoy representing Sardinia in my various experiences around the world." Filippo Gianfriddo thus describes the significance of this debut, which comes after a long career spent alongside some of the most important international orchestras. "After many years of working with large ensembles, I decided to dedicate myself to conducting, which I consider a more complete artistic dimension." In the two Romagna events, the musician will lead the Orchestra La Corelli through a program that combines classical and contemporary repertoire: "I will be the protagonist of Mozart's Eine kleine Nachtmusik and the world premiere of 'Vita nova'." It's not just conducting, however, because Gianfriddo will also take on a dual role: "I will be both conductor and soloist in Ney Rosauro's Marimba Concerto." It's an experience the musician also links to his career in Sardinia: "I enjoy showcasing the quality of our Teatro Lirico di Cagliari and its musicians. I feel a bit like an ambassador."
The first time on the podium
For Filippo Gianfriddo, the Forlimpopoli concert will not be just a concert, but the culmination of a journey slowly built over the years. "It stems from a study that has taken root over time," the musician says, explaining how conducting represents a natural evolution of his artistic experience. "At a certain point, I felt limited by just playing. Conducting is something completely different." Behind his conducting debut is a desire to experience music from a broader and more creative perspective: "As I matured, the desire to 'manipulate' the musical performance, to make a personal contribution by controlling all the instruments, has grown more and more." This shift in perspective, after decades spent in the orchestra, will place Gianfriddo at the center of the musical dialogue for the first time, called upon to guide the ensemble's sonority, tempo, and balance.
The dream
After a career that has taken him worldwide, Filippo Gianfriddo looks to the future with a simple yet profound outlook. "I'm a fulfilled person overall," confesses the musician, whose goal today is primarily to pass on his passion for music to the next generation. In addition to his concert career, Gianfriddo also teaches at the municipal music school, an experience he considers central to his personal as well as artistic journey. "I enjoy passing on to those who want to learn not only technique, but above all a love of music." A universal language that, according to the timpanist and newly appointed conductor, continues to have a fundamental value in contemporary society: "Music is a bridge between peoples and individuals, but also a moment of relaxation and respite from the stresses of everyday life."