Orchestra Del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino is a classical music ensemble based in Florence, Italy. The orchestra was founded in 1928 by conductor Vittorio Gui, who served as its first music director. The ensemble was established as part of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino festival, which was created to promote classical music in Florence and throughout Italy. Over the years, Orchestra Del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino has become one of the most renowned orchestras in Italy and has gained international recognition for its performances. The ensemble has collaborated with some of the world's most celebrated conductors and soloists, including Herbert von Karajan, Leonard Bernstein, Claudio Abbado, and Luciano Pavarotti. The orchestra's main members include its music director, Zubin Mehta, who has been with the ensemble since 1985. Mehta is a world-renowned conductor who has led some of the most prestigious orchestras in the world, including the New York Philharmonic and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Other notable members of the orchestra include concertmaster Francesco Manara and principal cellist Andrea Nannoni. Orchestra Del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Berlin Philharmonic. The ensemble has also performed at numerous music festivals, including the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Ravenna Festival. One of the highlights of the orchestra's history was its performance of Verdi's Requiem in 1965, which was conducted by Herbert von Karajan and featured soloists Leontyne Price, Fiorenza Cossotto, Carlo Bergonzi, and Nicolai Ghiaurov. The performance was recorded and released on LP, and it remains one of the most celebrated recordings of the work. Orchestra Del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino has also been recognized for its recordings of the works of Italian composers, including Verdi, Puccini, and Rossini. The ensemble has won numerous awards for its recordings, including several Grammy Awards. In addition to its performances and recordings, Orchestra Del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino is also committed to promoting classical music education. The ensemble offers a variety of educational programs for young musicians, including masterclasses and workshops. Overall, Orchestra Del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino has established itself as one of the most important classical music ensembles in Italy and the world. With its commitment to excellence in performance and education, the orchestra continues to inspire audiences and musicians alike.

More....