Emanuele Andrizzi to lead orchestras at UW-Whitewater
October 15, 2012
Conductor Emanuele Andrizzi has been named director of orchestras at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Andrizzi, a conductor with a strong connection to the rich musical tradition of the Rome Conservatory of Music, from which he graduated, will lead both the Whitewater Symphony and Chamber Orchestras.
"I studied for most of my life in state universities, so I have always looked to work in a place such as UW-Whitewater," Andrizzi said. "In fact, I really believe that students should be able have a complete, serious and affordable education, and I think that UW-Whitewater is one of those places where all this is possible."
Andrizzi has taught in music schools, conservatories and colleges for almost 20 years. He first met UW-Whitewater students while teaching at last summer's string camp and came away feeling extremely positive about their will to work hard together, meet new challenges and deepen their knowledge of the orchestral and musical repertoire.
"They are not only helpful and serious about their work, but they also show a sparkling dedication to music, both as performers and as future music teachers," he said.
It's a work ethic and passion he sees throughout the College of Arts and Communication's Department of Music.
"Students here are very lucky to have an incredible number of great teachers and musicians, excited about their job, and willing to share their artistry with all their students," he said.
Among his goals, Andrizzi hopes to widen the orchestras' repertoire and increase the number of performances outside the university. He says his music department colleagues and college leaders have shown great interest in making performing in the orchestras a central moment in the lives of UW-Whitewater students.
"I feel that with their support, with the excitement of our students, and with my passion for music we can build together something that is going to give prestige to UW-Whitewater and to give a lasting experience for our students to remember in their lives," he said
In addition to his work at UW-Whitewater, Andrizzi has been hired by the Lyric Opera of Chicago to work as cover conductor for the productions of Verdi's Simon Boccanegra and Donizetti's Don Pasquale during the 2012-2013 season.
"We are very fortunate to have a conductor with Mr. Andrizzi's background and experience working with our students," said Frank Hanson, music department chairperson. "He has studied and trained in both Europe and the United States, and brings unique skillsets to the position, not only in conducting, but also in piano and composition. His wide range of experiences make it possible to offer the students a perspective that they wouldn't otherwise have."