(January 5, 2016) His dreams, especially the American ones, have come true. Gabriele Ciampi was the first Italian composer to conduct his own music at the White House for the White House Holiday Tour and the first Italian classical / contemporary under 40 composer to have had the honor of performing on this prestigious occasion. Today, he says he’s happy, excited and ready for new adventures. After delighting US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at an exclusive concert held on December 8 at the White House, Gabriele Ciampi returns to Italy. On Wednesday, January 6th at the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome (Sala Petrassi – 6pm – €15 for tickets), Ciampi will conduct an ensemble of 30 elements known as the CentOrchestra. “Return home is always a thrill. When I received the proposal from the Musica per Roma for this concert, another dream came true: I could repeat the American experience in my country and in my city. I’m sure it will be a pleasure to play for my audience: I’m Italian and I love playing in Italy.” The concert program will consist of chamber music, a Suite for guitar and orchestra, and the full version of the Piano Concerto in A major dedicated to First Lady Michelle Obama. “This is the same program I played at the White House, with half an hour of original music – explained Ciampi – But performing it in Rome will be different, the enthusiasm is different (“because unique and unrepeatable”). “To this day – says the Maestro – I say to myself ‘look where you’ve performed’.” The unforgettable experience consisted of awe, wonder and a hint of surprise for Gabriele, who recalls “The White House? I imagined it to be bigger, especially if you compare it with the Quirinale. However, the mere fact of entering a foyer in which Ronald Reagan danced with Lady Diana, standing next to the Oval Office, playing and being surrounded by key figures from the world of politics and culture in a bright, charming, perfect setting is something that I could never forget. In some ways, it’s a surreal situation that gave me but a big charge. There was no tension like in a theater – detailed Ciampi – rather, it was like playing in a living room of a house. Certainly, a house with very special tenants. No matter how many concerts I’ll perform from now on, not one will be in a more prestigious home.” When asked about the tension, Ciampi explained: “before the concert, there was definitely some tension in the air. Usually, in a theater you know what to expect, at the White House you just don’t – because a lot of things are kept secret until the very last minute.” But this wasn’t the first time the Roman-born artist interacted with the White House. “Back in 2012, pianist David Osborne performed my concerto for piano and orchestra, which had its world premiere in Milan, for the President and the First Lady during the White House Holiday Tour – explains the Maestro – I have always regarded the United States as the land of opportunity, where anything is possible if you work hard. Following the publication in the US of my album The Minimalist Evolution, I wrote directly to the First Lady enclosing a copy of my album. After a few months, I received a totally unexpected response, with a nice praise of my music and with the official invitation to present a concert program for one of the events of the White House Holiday Tour. After 2 months, I was contacted by the Presidential management with the confirmation of a date of the performance – 8th December 2015. Among the reasons for their choice, there were various elements, including the fact that an Italian composer directs original music (something that in the US is very respected) and the fact that I received a green card from the US government for my ‘extraordinary ability’ in field of music.” Ciampi speaks of the experience in the US as “an important signal for our country” and hopes “that other Italians have a chance to play on that stage”. “Of 5,000 artists, they chose an Italian composer – a confirmation of the fact that our music is appreciated abroad. Today in Italy, the musical situation is not at the top of its game: commercial music is sacrificing quality for quantity and image. In the US, at least they look for someone who has something to say. I really believe that we should take a step back: return to the past, break away from technology and use paper and pencil to write music. By focusing on tradition, we can innovate better.” After performing for the Obamas and the upcoming event at the Rome Auditorium, Gabriele Ciampi will soon perform for yet another president. In 2016 Ciampi will present a concert at the Quirinale dedicating his music to the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella. (Gil)
