In 2021, to celebrate the reopening of its historic theatre, which had been completely restored after four years of work, Opéra Grand Avignon presented for the first time on its stage one of the greatest masterpieces of the 20th century: Benjamin Britten's Peter Grimes. And this production was generating enthusiasm, not least for its musical qualities. Extracts from the press:

“Under Federico Santi's baton, all the instrumentalists display unflagging concentration, and the conductor succeeds in balancing the volumes of the different sections in an enthralling alchemy.” (Bachtrack, 18.10.2021)

“Federico Santi, conducting the Orchestre National Avignon-Provence, manages to capture the essence of Britten's score. The orchestral textures are characterized, the dissonances underlined and the silences emphasized, so as to establish the dark, mysterious and disquieting atmosphere with a rich, spirited sound.” (Olyrix, 16.10.2021)

“Conducted by Federico Santi, the Orchestre National Avignon-Provence takes on the work with great assurance.” (ConcertClassic, 18.10.2021)

“The Orchestre National Avignon-Provence, in great shape under the baton of Federico Santi, gets off to a great start. The Sea Interludes are carefully crafted, and the stormy sea in the 1st act, with its mad violins, leaves no one indifferent..” (ResMusica, 19.10.2021)

“The Orchestre National Avignon-Provence is of course an essential protagonist in a work that was popularized in part thanks to the Sea Interludes that the composer brought together in a concert suite: conducted by Federico Santi, it rises to the challenge with panache and succeeds in conveying the work's full maritime palette. The conductor also finds the right tempo for the more dramatic scenes and moments of confrontation.” (Wanderer, 17.10.2021)

“The conductor, Federico Santi, did a wonderful job and it was a delight to hear. It was no coincidence that when the curtain fell, the orchestra immediately broke into applause for him.” (Première Loge, 16.10.2021)

“On the podium, Federico Santi skillfully chisels out the performance, never failing to strike the right balance with the voices.” (Anaclase, 17.10.2021)

Federico Santi will shortly be returning to the Opéra Grand Avignon to conduct the work of a composer he knows best, Tosca by Giacomo Puccini. Performances on 5, 7 and 9 April 2024.

27.02.24