Nello Santi

Nello Santi was an Italian conductor celebrated as a master of the operatic repertoire, particularly known for his vibrant interpretations of Verdi and verismo works. Born in 1931 in Adria, Italy, he earned the affectionate nickname "Papa Santi" for his commanding yet warm presence on the podium. His career spanned over six decades, with legendary collaborations at major houses like the Metropolitan Opera and Zurich Opera, where he became a beloved regular. Santi had a knack for balancing dramatic intensity with lyrical flow, making him a favorite among star singers like Joan Sutherland, whom he accompanied on her debut recital album.

Though he specialized in Italian classics like *La traviata* and the *Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci* double bill (both featured in his recent live recordings), his crisp energy also brought freshness to German symphonies by Brahms and Mendelssohn. A consummate musician until his passing in 2020, Santi left a legacy of recordings that capture the spontaneity and fire of opera’s golden age. His live performances, like those from the Met and Bayerische Staatsoper, remain treasured documents of a conductor who truly lived inside the music.

Genres

Opera

Latest Release

Brahms Symphony No.1 & Mendelssohn Symphony No.4

Nello Santi•

Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra

Album - 8 Tracks - Released February 24, 2024