When and where was your first concert with the MCO? In 2001 in Ferrara. What’s the best thing about playing with the MCO? As playing in the MCO is not a fixed job and we are coming together for the tours only, we have no every day life. This is what makes the MCO special and what keeps us alive. People meet to play music, this is the most important thing for every person in this orchestra - and not as evident as it might seem! If you could play another instrument what would it be? Cello.
What would you do if you weren't a musician? I would be an archeologist.
What makes a "perfect" concert? Energy, inspiration … and a good reed!
BIOGRAPHY Chiara Santi was born in 1976 in Cittadella (Padova, Italy). At the age of ten she began studying bassoon at the Conservatorio A. Staffani of Castelfranco Veneto with Stefano Canuti and received her diploma with honours. Immediately after finishing her studies in Italy, she went to Switzerland to study with Sergio Azzolini at the Musikakademie Basel. After two years, Chiara achieved the Solistendiplom with full marks.
Honored as one of the best students in Switzerland, she also participated in a project of the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich. After winning the audition for the Orchestra del Centenario, Chiara was chosen for the Orchestra Cherubini by Riccardo Muti.
In 2001, she began to play with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, becoming a member in 2007; after this, Claudio Abbado invited her to join the LUCERNE FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA. With these orchestras Chiara plays in the most important concert halls around the world.
Apart from music, Chiara Santi's passions include making bassoon reeds and collecting designer shoes.
