"Made Out of Music" — Lorenzo Muti
The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle

by Brian Van Norman
March 2009

Most of us dabble with music as kids, trying out an instrument or singing in the school choir. For Lorenzo Muti, though, his childhood musical passion blossomed into a lifelong love that has taken him around the world.

Born in Spoleto, Italy, Lorenzo’s musical career began at the age of seven with a singing role in the opera Maria Golovin. He sang until he was nearly 15, and then transitioned into conducting after his voice deepened.

Lorenzo studied at numerous acclaimed institutions, including the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia and the Juilliard School in New York, and made his conducting debut in his hometown at the Spoleto Music Festival. He’s since enjoyed success throughout Europe and the U.S. conducting such notable orchestras and operas as the London Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra dell’Accademia di Santa Cecelia in Rome, the Netherlands Opera and the Washington Opera.

In 1988, Lorenzo stepped in to help the St. Stephen’s Chamber Orchestra. The organization was in danger of folding, and Lorenzo’s strong leadership and direction helped in its reorganization as The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle (COT).

Twenty years later, Lorenzo still provides a steady hand to an elite corps of musicians now recognized as one of the finest ensembles in the Southeast. He strives for perfection while presenting to the audience a well-chosen and unique repertoire of selections. "Lorenzo is truly gifted in his programming for the orchestra," says COT board chair, David Lindquist. "He challenges the musicians and the audience with virtually unknown yet exceptionally elegant and difficult music." Lorenzo also spends several minutes before each concert discussing the importance of each piece and what he hopes the audience will take from the performance. He believes the discussions "add to the intimacy between audience and orchestra."

That closeness also lives between conductor and musicians. Claudia Warburg, COT concertmaster, feels fortunate to have worked with Lorenzo for 20 years. "Lorenzo’s wonderful musicianship and caring attitude are truly appreciated by the musicians," she adds. "He has a great sense of humor, and often in the middle of a difficult passage he throws out a light-hearted comment that provides a relaxing moment. It feels like family."

Lorenzo has also been a champion of musical education and the development of young musicians throughout his career. He taught music history and opera at Duke University for 17 years, spent several years organizing and conducting concerts as part of the North Carolina School of the Arts Summer Session in Italy, and now conducts the College of Charleston’s orchestra in South Carolina.

In 1997, Lorenzo and his wife, Jill, created the non-profit Spoleto Study Abroad. The organization helps develop opportunities for teachers and school administrators through exposure to the riches of the Italian arts and humanities with yearly tours to various regions in Italy. They added a four-week summer session for high school students a year later, and both have been a hit since.

Lorenzo has also helped advance the careers of rising young musicians by offering solo performances with the COT. Violinist Timothy Fain is one. "I’ve stayed in touch and continued my friendship with Lorenzo since performing with the COT in 2007," Fain explains. "Lorenzo has been generous and complimentary when speaking of me. This has helped opened additional doors in my career."

Joking that he is "well into his 50s," Lorenzo shows no signs of slowing down. He hopes to expand the COT’s programs and expose more young people to the work of the young soloists that perform with the orchestra.

Lorenzo will lead the COT in upcoming concerts — March 15 and May 17 — featuring performances by winners of the COT’s inaugural Competition for Young String Soloists. Ticket information is available online at thecot.org.

Brian Van Norman is a public relations specialist with Articulon of Raleigh, articulon.com.