Interview with conductor Silvia Spinnato
Born in Italy, Silvia Spinnato likes to break new ground in order to develop herself further and to explore unknown territory. In an interview, the conductor talks about the differences between her hometown of Palermo and Salzburg, her orchestral project and why she caused a sensation in a SalzburgerLand video shoot as the main role.
Dear Ms. Spinnato, you were born in Italy and music brought you to Salzburg. What is it like as an Italian in Salzburg?
Salzburg is a beautiful city, where you can especially enjoy the wonderful landscape, the culture and the ubiquitous ancient history. Salzburg is not a big city, but you can hardly take such long walks in nature so close to the historic center as here. In this respect, Salzburg is the ideal city for me.
What are your personal highlights in Salzburg?
Leaving Sicily to come to Salzburg and live here was certainly a decisive decision in my life. Not only from a professional, but also from an emotional point of view. On the one hand I left my family environment, on the other hand I met my husband here and my son was born. In Salzburg I was able to complete my studies in orchestral conducting and undertake important projects like that Symphonic Orchestra Austria (BFSA.) bring into being.
You studied piano and composition and came to the Mozarteum in Salzburg for your master’s degree in choral conducting, singing and orchestral conducting. How were the first weeks and months in this new city for you?
In the beginning it wasn’t easy: I didn’t speak a word of German and knew only a few people. But over time I got to know wonderful people. As a Sicilian, the climate in Salzburg was of course completely new and a change for me.
You were born and raised in Palermo. You now live in Salzburg with your family. What are the biggest differences in everyday life between the two cities of Palermo and Salzburg?
As I said, adapting to the climate was very difficult. In Palermo, where it is warm, you live very differently. You stay on the street to celebrate late into the night. The shops are open at least until 8.30 p.m. and the restaurants offer something to eat until late at night. This is of course a little different in Salzburg, but life is much more orderly and organized than in Palermo.
But are there any similarities that one would not suspect at first glance?
Like Salzburg, Palermo is a historic city. On every corner you can admire old buildings and monuments.
Today YOU are a successful conductor and have already received several awards. What is important as a conductor?
Obviously the orchestras are all different. Being able to get in tune with an orchestra in no time to communicate your own music is one of the most important, difficult, and at the same time most fascinating things.
What do you do differently than other conductors: inside?
Difficult to say … Every female conductor is different. Perhaps what sets me apart from most conductors is the fact that I am passionately interested in finding symphonic compositions by women composers. Most conductors try to conduct only the most popular repertoire. Of course I like that too, but I also love researching new music and now especially that of female composers.
Your orchestra consists exclusively of women – is that a particular concern for you in the cultural and music scene?
A women’s orchestra is definitely something special in the culture and music scene. But my decision to found an orchestra for women only is part of a longer and much more complex project.
Tell us briefly about your new project on the works of women in music history and the symphony of the Anton Bruckner student – what is it about these special projects that attracts you?
After about 15 years of study, I only discovered three years ago that there is an immense symphonic repertoire by women composers of the Classical and Romantic periods. So I decided to devote myself to researching this repertoire and starting a female orchestra that would be dedicated to performing this music: FSOA Female Symphonic Orchestra Austria. On September 18, 2021, FSOA played the world premiere of Mathilde Kralik von Mayrswalden’s anthemic symphony as part of the Klassische Klangwolke 21 of the International Bruckner Festival in the Brucknerhaus Linz with 60 musicians. We have transcribed the score from the manuscript in order to be able to perform this work. FSOA founded a publishing house and edited this symphony. At last every orchestra can borrow and play this material.
Why is a female orchestra important for the implementation?
Choosing a female orchestra is an artistic choice that adds even more power to the project. Some of these female composers, such as Mathilde Kralik von Meyrswalden or Ethel Smyth, had repeated careers in their time, but were fighting against an all-male society. After her death, no one fought for her anymore. That is why they are forgotten today. Unfortunately, the discovery of the repertoire of women composers still appears to be primarily a need of women. Our goal, however, is much broader: The outstanding quality of the works of women composers should become so well known that every orchestra will soon have at least 50 percent of them in their repertoire. Audiences will be able to get to know this wonderful music and eventually search for their name on Google, not just the word ‘women composers’. We don’t want to create an even stronger separation between men and women … on the contrary! We want to shout out to the one that. Music history has died so far we a world has been ignored. If this goal is achieved, the FSOA could possibly also become a mixed orchestra.
You are not only a successful conductor, you also play a “leading role” in a tourism video for the SalzburgerLand for the Italian market. How did this collaboration come about?
The SalzburgerLand is looking for an Italian who lives in Salzburg to shoot a video that will primarily appeal to Italian guests. The head of market management, who sang in my choir a few years ago, called me and asked if I wanted to be the protagonist. It seemed like an interesting experience and I said yes right away. I haven’t regretted it, it was really fun.
Did you get to know the SalzburgerLand from a new perspective during this shoot?
Yes absolutely. Although I have been living in Salzburg since 2004, I had never visited such wonderful places as Zell am See. Fortunately, I was able to catch up on that during the video shoot with SalzburgerLand.
Was it fun to be in front of the camera?
I had a really great time. Sometimes it was really demanding, but I really enjoyed it! The cooperation with the video crew and the SalzburgerLand team was great.
What is your favorite place in SalzburgerLand?
‘Climbing’ the Untersberg with the cable car and enjoying the view of the city of Salzburg and the Alps is a unique experience for me and I don’t want to miss this view again.