On May 17, 2025, the majestic Sala Accademica of the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome will resonate with the sound of ten flutes and the spirit of modern creativity.
The concert, titled “Percorsi Auletici di Oggi” (Auletic Pathways of Today), will showcase works by eight contemporary composers affiliated with the conservatory, written specifically for a 10-flute ensemble. But alongside this celebration of new music, another artistic voice will take the spotlight – this time through pen and paper rather than tone and breath.
A special highlight of the evening is the satirical drawing exhibition by Corrado Cristaldi, a compelling visual counterpoint to the musical program. Cristaldi, a respected Italian artist – composer, flutist and illustrator, is known for his witty, incisive, and often disarmingly honest depictions of modern life, academia, and the arts. His work explores the paradoxes, vanities, and absurdities within society and culture, frequently turning his lens toward the very institutions and traditions that shape the world of classical music.
Cristaldi’s drawings offer a parallel narrative to the musical performances – one that critiques, questions, and humanizes the experience of being a musician, artist, or student today. His visual commentary will serve as both complement and contrast to the works of composers such as PACE, FURLANI, CATURANO, SBACCO, NAZZARO, LUCIA, SANTOBONI, and BALZOTTI, whose pieces range from abstract soundscapes to theatrical storytelling.
The pairing of flute music and satirical art creates a dynamic, multidimensional experience for the audience. As listeners absorb the sonic inventions of the 10-flute ensemble – led by conductor Francesco Leonardi – they are also invited to reflect, laugh, and perhaps even blush at the humorous truths revealed in Cristaldi’s drawings.
The concert and exhibition are free and open to the public until seats are filled. This unique evening of sound and satire is not only a showcase of Santa Cecilia’s vibrant community of artists and composers but also a testament to the conservatory’s commitment to embracing diverse, interdisciplinary forms of artistic expression.
Event Information:
Percorsi Auletici di Oggi – 8 Cecilian Composers for 10 Flutes
Date: May 17, 2025 – 6:00 PM
Location: Sala Accademica, Conservatorio “Santa Cecilia,” Rome
Featuring: Ensemble di Flauti del Conservatorio “Santa Cecilia”
Conductor: Francesco Leonardi
Exhibition: Satirical Drawings by Corrado Cristaldi
Admission: Free until full capacity
For more details, visit: www.conservatoriosantacecilia.it
About Corrado Cristaldi
Corrado Cristaldi (b. 1962, Enna, Italy) is a multifaceted Italian artist renowned for his contributions as a flutist, composer, educator, and satirical illustrator. He obtained his diploma in flute and furthered his musical education through various study courses. Cristaldi has been instrumental in exploring new languages and expressive possibilities for the transverse flute, often collaborating closely with fellow flutists and instrumentalists.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Cristaldi has a rich history as a freelance cartoonist. He worked at the Academy of Fine Arts in Palermo from 1994 to 1999 and at the Conservatory of Music in Palermo from 2000 to 2006. His collaborations extend to institutions like the Akademie der Bildenden Künste in Nuremberg and the Ajuntamiento of Jaca-Aragona, participating in various exhibitions and competitions in illustration and design. Cristaldi also contributes to children’s book publishers and local newspapers.
Currently, he serves as a Professor of Transverse Flute at the Lower Secondary School “G. Garibaldi” in Enna, Italy.
