Orchestra Sinfonica Siciliana

The Orchestra Sinfonica Siciliana, based in Palermo, was founded in 1951 by members of the Teatro Massimo orchestra with the support of the Regional Parliament. Initially a part-time ensemble, it became a permanent orchestra in 1958, quickly gaining acclaim under the baton of renowned conductors like Georges Sébastian and Jean Martinon. In 1959, Ottavio Ziino was appointed Artistic Director, launching transformative initiatives such as the “Contemporary Music Days” and “International Weeks of New Music,” which established Palermo as a global centre for avant-garde music.

Ziino invited Sergiu Celibidache, who elevated the orchestra’s reputation during his nearly 25-year tenure. Under his leadership, the orchestra performed at prestigious festivals, including Wiesbaden, Oxford, and the Biennale di Venezia, earning international acclaim. Subsequent artistic leadership, including Roberto Pagano (1970–1995) and Mario Messinis (1996–1997), furthered its evolution, with milestones like recording Bellini’s I Puritani for EMI and becoming the first Italian orchestra to perform in China and Japan.

The Orchestra Sinfonica Siciliana has collaborated with illustrious conductors such as Igor Stravinsky, Riccardo Muti, and Ennio Morricone, and legendary soloists including Martha Argerich, Anne-Sophie Mutter, and Joshua Bell. Since 2001, it has been based at the Teatro Politeama, continuing its legacy as a pillar of Italian cultural life.

Source: Wikipedia