Italian conductor: ‘I have been connected to Russia since childhood. My dad even named my sister after Tereshkova’

Fabio became a conductor by chance. While studying to be a pianist at a conservatory in Italy, he was invited to work as a concertmaster at an opera house. There, he was suddenly asked to conduct because the local conductor was late. It turned out he had a talent for it.

Fabio traveled extensively and lived and studied for long periods in various cities, including Vienna, Geneva, Berlin, New York and Toronto. He then ended up in Russia.

“My entire family history led to this. My father loved Russian literature and music very much. He admired Soviet space exploration,” Fabio recounts.

His older sister was born shortly after Valentina Tereshkova's space flight, so his father decided to name his daughter Valentina. “By the way, my mother's maiden name is Russo, which translates as 'Russian.' So, it seems, there is not only Italian but also a Russian beginning in me.”

First Impressions of Russia and a love for the language

Fabio first came to Russia in June 1999 for a masterclass by the renowned conductor Ilya Musin. The Italian spent a month in the country, but understood from the very first day that St. Petersburg was his place. “A beautiful city, stunning history and architecture. And I decided I wanted to live here.”

Fabio already spoke Russian before he arrived- having actually learned it by accident. Such chance events have indeed defined much in his life.

Back in 1973, when he was just eight, children didn't have many special forms of entertainment. School ended at one o'clock, and after lunch, homework, and two hours at the piano, he would go play soccer.

“But for my southern mother, +5℃ in winter was freezing cold! So, soccer ended for me in winter. I was looking for something to do and suddenly discovered we had a wonderful encyclopedia at home. And the Russian alphabet was one of the topics that captivated me in it."

Fabio himself can't explain why he became so interested in Russian, but he started learning to read in the language. When he first came to Russia, he could already understand street and metro signs.

“I could write to people in Russian... That was a real lifesaver because in those days, practically no one here spoke foreign languages,” he says.

For the musical ear of an Italian, some Russian words sound funny. For example, ‘shashlyk’ (shish kebab): “The process of roasting meat didn't connect in my head with such a combination of sounds… shash-lyk.”

The Italian is also surprised that the word ‘бракосочетание’ (‘brakosohetaniye’ - which means “wedding”) doesn't sound at all like something that carries love in it.

“But overall, the Russian language is very poetic and, along with Italian, very convenient for singing,” Fabio admits.

The Russian world of music

Today, Fabio is the artistic director of the St. Petersburg State Chaliapin Musical Theater. And he believes that Russian musicians have a distinctive trait: no matter how rehearsals go, at the concert they will come together and play better.

“Russian musicians are also very devoted. This is especially true for orchestras where the leader personally selected each member of the group. When there is mutual trust, the musicians will follow you through fire and water,” Mastrangelo explains.

Fabio boldly states that Russia today is a leader in the world of classical music. He laments the shortage of concert venues in the country, as he’s certain they would all be packed.

Since 2012, the Italian has been running the international festival ‘Opera for All,’ where orchestras perform in St. Petersburg's squares. “Every year at the 'Opera for All' festival, at least 50,000 listeners hear us, and we must perform for them as we would in an opera house,” Mastrangelo says.

In what ways has the Italian become Russian?

Fabio admits that it's easier to say in what ways he still remains Italian. And that's the mandatory daily pasta for lunch. In every other regard, he feels Russian and has even adopted many superstitions and habits. For example, if he forgets something at home, upon returning, he always looks in the mirror (so as not to attract bad luck).

“In Russia, there is a sincerity that isn't found in other countries. When you meet a Russian person, you immediately start speaking with them frankly; there are no limitations or secrets. I feel at ease here. And this is my second homeland,” the Italian says.

Read the full version of the interview in Russian on the website of the 'Nation' magazine