About Orchestra dell 'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Roma

The Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia was the first orchestra in Italy to devote itself exclusively to the symphonic repertoire, giving premieres of major contemporary masterpieces such as Respighi’s Fountains of Rome and Pines of Rome, Henze’s Opfergang, Pärt’s Cecilia, vergine romana, Dubugnon’s Caprice Romain, and Sciarrino’s Euridice secondo Rilke.

Founded in 1908, the orchestra has been conducted by many of the major musical figures of the 20th century, including Mahler, Debussy, Saint-Saëns, Richard Strauss, and Stravinsky. Leonard Bernstein was the orchestra’s Honorary President from 1983 to 1990.

With Sir Antonio Pappano in the role of Music Director since 2005, the orchestra has enjoyed extraordinary success and expanded its international reputation. With Pappano at the helm, the orchestra has appeared at major music festivals including the BBC Proms in London, White Nights in St. Petersburg, the Lucerne Festival, and the Salzburg Festival.