The Orchestra of the Teatro San Carlo, the oldest opera house in Europe, is preparing to face a crucial moment with the appointment of a new superintendent. This is a fundamental step to ensure stability and prestige in the international cultural panorama.
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With applications already closed, the new superintendent will begin the role on April 1, subject to approval by Minister Alessandro Giuli, based on the proposal of the Foundation's Board of Directors.
The current situation of the Teatro di San Carlo is characterized by instability, especially in light of the recent events involving the resignation of Lissner and the brief management of Carlo Fuortes. The selection of the new superintendent aims at a leadership that can respond to the political and cultural needs of the theater. Although the Board of Directors has received nominations, it retains the option to consider other names, suggesting that there could be surprises in the selection.
Selection Process and Challenges
Finding a candidate who can reconcile political consensus and artistic credibility represents a significant challenge. The selection process will be accompanied by the attention of local and national institutions, with the Municipality, the Region and the Ministry of Culture involved. The procedure, set up to protect the confidentiality of the applications, is designed to reassure the participants, eliminating fears of possible public exposure in the event of exclusion. The new superintendent, in addition to managing resources, will be responsible for building solid relationships within the artistic community, ensuring a prosperous future for the Teatro di San Carlo. The theater's orchestra has expressed its support for the process, raising its voice with a letter addressed to institutions and media outlets, underlining the importance of this moment for the Neapolitan theater.
STATEMENT FROM THE ORCHESTRA PROFESSORS OF THE SAN CARLO THEATRE IN NAPLES
“The Orchestra Professors of the Teatro San Carlo, in these days, have been reading persistent news about hypotheses and predictions of numerous candidates for the Superintendence of our Massimo. The choice of the Superintendent is linked to a managerial project, but also an artistic one, in fact, today it is up to the new Director to nominate the Artistic Director, who requires musical skills, cultural completeness of the sector, together with the ability to relate to the groups and the availability to seize the opportunities that the musical world offers.
It is our wish, as artists, that the Superintendent be identified by the institutions in charge as a name of international stature, with proven managerial ability, and that he puts at the center of his objectives not only the great names of world opera, but also the professional resources within the Foundation through an artistic growth plan that enhances the orchestra, which has been relegated to a secondary function for too long; furthermore, we hope for the more frequent presence of renowned conductors and a symphony and concert season capable of making the orchestra once again a protagonist of Neapolitan musical life. In respecting the current managerial roles conferred pro tempore, it is considered necessary to reconstitute roles and skills in order to have a structured, qualitative and fully complete programming”.
Article published on 24 January 2025 - 14:02
