I have titled my latest podcast — my latest Q&A — “Maestro Sunshine.” That refers to Marco Armiliato, the Italian conductor. He is a master, in particular, of Italian opera. He has conducted something like 300 times at the Vienna State Opera and something like 500 times at the Metropolitan Opera. And he is a marvelous guest, a marvelous interviewee. You can tell why he’s one of the most beloved people in all of music.
He and I spoke at the Salzburg Festival last month. The Salzburg Festival Society hosts a series of conversations, annually. I am charged with the questioning.
And in the course of our conversation with Marco Armiliato, I asked him about Luciano Pavarotti, the late, great tenor. Armiliato worked with him frequently.
“His sound was so clear,” Armiliato said. “So direct, so brilliant. So sunshine. Even when he was talking, he was singing. The sound was music already, when he talked.”
I asked, “Was he friendly to work with?” “Very, very,” said Armiliato. “He was very honest. Sometimes a little lunatic. In some moments, very dark and deep. But, in general, he was very friendly.”
He is a joy to listen to, Marco Armiliato. He, too, is like sunshine. When he engages with you, it’s like the Italian sun has opened up onto your face. And, of course, he is an exceptionally knowledgeable and capable musician, to boot.
You’ll love him. He’ll make you want to book a trip to Italy, subito — right away. Again, here.
P.S. Last night, Lise Davidsen, the phenomenal young Norwegian soprano, gave a recital in the Metropolitan Opera House. For my review, go here.