Summer 2025
At the Podium: Clelia Cafiero
Neapolitan conductor Clelia Cafiero, Principal Guest Conductor at the Opéra de Tours, gained widespread recognition in 2023 with a high-profile debut in France and has since made major debuts in England, Belgium, and Japan. A former concert pianist with a master’s degree in philosophy, Cafiero brings a distinctive depth to her conducting. Festival Napa Valley is honored to recognize her with the 2025 Joel Revzen Conducting Prize.
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You began your musical journey as a concert pianist before transitioning to conducting. How does your experience as a pianist shape your approach to conducting?
Being a pianist allows me to play any orchestral or operatic score on the piano. I always start my study of a composition at the piano, clarifying the harmonic and melodic structure before deciding which musical phrases should come to the fore and what kind of sound I want to achieve.
How do you approach collaborating with vocalists, and what do you think a conductor should know about bringing out the best in a singer?
I love the human voice! It’s an incredibly expressive instrument, and we can shape musical intention through working on vocal color. With eyes closed, we should be able to understand the singer’s intention — not just volume or articulation, but something deeper and more complex. First, I work with the singer to create the character — the goal is for the singer to be the character, not just play the character. Then, we choose cadences together, analyze musical tradition, and decide what to follow or not follow. Most importantly, when I’m in the pit, I breathe with the singer.
Your academic background includes a master’s degree in philosophy in addition to your musical studies. How has this broader academic perspective and training influenced your interpretation of music and your leadership style?
Philosophy is how we conduct ourselves in everyday life. Studying different schools of thought taught me that everyone has their own way of seeing reality. It taught me to appreciate different perspectives and to respect our differences, which is crucial to conducting. A conductor must ask questions, find common solutions, and have the conviction to bring these solutions to life. Just as the philosopher speaks to disciples, a conductor communicates ideas to musicians. Leadership, to me, is about harnessing the talents around me to bring the music in my head to life. Without the orchestra, the idea remains abstract — the musicians make it real.
Is there a particular work or body of work by a composer that feels especially significant to you, either because of your personal connection to the music or the experience of bringing it to life with an orchestra?
Tosca was one of the first operas I listened to as a child. The music was so powerful that the torture scene made me shake in my chair. I loved Tosca — this capricious and strong-willed diva, this woman who was an inspiration to me because she takes what she wants. No one in my family was a classical musician, and I had to fight to make music my life. I once told my grandmother the story of Tosca, and she began to sing the Neapolitan song Malafemmena. She thought Tosca was like Malafemmena — a woman you forgive anything. Today, conducting Puccini brings me a little closer to her.
You’ll be conducting a tribute to the legendary Ennio Morricone, one of the greatest film composers of all time. What significance does this hold for you?
Morricone was a great Italian composer; his music speaks to everyone and his soundtracks are a bridge to generations around the world. I am honored to conduct his music.
Congratulations on your recognition as Festival Napa Valley's 2025 Joel Revzen Conducting Prizewinner. What does this award mean to you?
Joel Revzen was a fantastic conductor and a mentor for many musicians. He is remembered for his kindness and for being an inspiration. These are rare and precious qualities and are essential to me. Receiving this award is both an honor and a motivation to continue on this path. I’m truly grateful.
Favorite food: Pizza! A close second: duck breast.
Favorite wine: Barolo
Favorite place you’ve recently visited: London
Dream Destination: The Cyclades
Wish for the Future: I hope I will have joy in conducting until the end.