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Conductor  

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Claudio Astronio is a renowned Italian harpsichordist and conductor, known for his exceptional performances of Baroque and Classical music. Born in 1960 in Lecce, Italy, Astronio showed an early interest in music and began studying the piano at the age of six. However, it was not until he discovered the harpsichord at the age of 16 that he found his true passion. Astronio went on to study at the Conservatorio di Musica "Tito Schipa" in Lecce, where he received his diploma in harpsichord performance. He then continued his studies at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Switzerland, where he studied with renowned harpsichordists such as Jean-Claude Zehnder and Jesper Christensen. In 1985, Astronio made his debut as a soloist with the Orchestra da Camera di Padova e del Veneto, performing Bach's Harpsichord Concerto in D minor. This performance marked the beginning of his successful career as a soloist and chamber musician. Throughout his career, Astronio has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, including the English Chamber Orchestra, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and the Academy of Ancient Music. He has also collaborated with many renowned conductors, including Christopher Hogwood, Trevor Pinnock, and William Christie. One of Astronio's most notable performances was his 1991 debut at the Salzburg Festival, where he performed Bach's Goldberg Variations to critical acclaim. This performance helped establish him as one of the leading harpsichordists of his generation. In addition to his work as a soloist, Astronio is also a highly respected conductor. He has conducted many leading orchestras and ensembles, including the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, the English Concert, and the Academy of Ancient Music. He is particularly known for his interpretations of the music of Bach and Handel. Astronio has also been recognized for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1996, he was awarded the prestigious Premio Abbiati, which is considered one of the highest honors in Italian music. He has also been awarded the Prix de la Critique in France and the Diapason d'Or in France. Throughout his career, Astronio has remained committed to promoting the music of the Baroque and Classical periods. He has recorded numerous albums, including solo recordings of Bach's Goldberg Variations and Handel's Suites for Harpsichord. He has also recorded with many leading ensembles, including the Academy of Ancient Music and the English Concert. Today, Astronio continues to perform and record, and is widely regarded as one of the leading harpsichordists and conductors of his generation. His passion for the music of the Baroque and Classical periods has inspired countless musicians and audiences around the world, and his contributions to the world of classical music will continue to be celebrated for many years to come.

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