Role

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Composer Conductor  

Birth

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October 9, 1960

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

Ottavio Dantone is a renowned Italian conductor, harpsichordist, and organist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on October 2, 1959, in Pescara, Italy, Dantone showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. He later switched to the harpsichord, which became his primary instrument. Dantone received his formal music education at the Conservatorio di Santa Cecilia in Rome, where he studied under the guidance of Luigi Ferdinando Tagliavini. He also attended masterclasses with renowned harpsichordists such as Gustav Leonhardt and Ton Koopman, which helped him refine his skills and develop his unique style. In 1985, Dantone won the prestigious International Harpsichord Competition in Bruges, Belgium, which marked the beginning of his successful career as a soloist and conductor. He went on to perform with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the English Chamber Orchestra, the Academy of Ancient Music, and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Dantone's repertoire spans from the Baroque era to the Classical period, and he is particularly known for his interpretations of the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, and Antonio Vivaldi. He has recorded numerous albums, including solo harpsichord works, chamber music, and operas, which have received critical acclaim and won several awards. One of Dantone's most significant achievements was his appointment as the principal conductor of the Accademia Bizantina in Ravenna, Italy, in 1996. The Accademia Bizantina is a renowned period-instrument ensemble that specializes in the performance of Baroque and Classical music. Under Dantone's leadership, the orchestra has gained international recognition and has performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including the Royal Albert Hall in London and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Dantone's tenure with the Accademia Bizantina has been marked by several notable performances and recordings. In 2005, he conducted the orchestra in a critically acclaimed performance of Handel's oratorio "Messiah" at the Salzburg Festival, which was later released on DVD. He also led the orchestra in a recording of Vivaldi's "Four Seasons," which won the prestigious Diapason d'Or award in 2007. In addition to his work with the Accademia Bizantina, Dantone has also conducted other leading orchestras, including the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra in San Francisco and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. He has collaborated with many renowned soloists, including mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli and violinist Giuliano Carmignola. Dantone's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with several awards and honors. In 2006, he was awarded the prestigious Abbiati Prize for Best Conductor by the Italian National Association of Music Critics. He was also awarded the title of "Cavaliere" by the Italian government in 2007 in recognition of his contributions to the arts. In conclusion, Ottavio Dantone is a highly accomplished musician and conductor who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. His unique style and interpretation of Baroque and Classical music have earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards.

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