Federico Mondelci, soprano saxophone
Biography

In the last 20 years, Federico Mondelci has established himself as one of the leading saxophonists of his generation. His principal studies were at the Conservatorio Statale di Musica ‘G. Rossini’ in Italy and later with Jean-Marie Londeix at the Bordeaux Conservatoire, France. In 1981, he was awarded the ‘Premier Prix et Medaille d’Or a l’Unanimite. Alongside the saxophone, his studies also included singing, composition and conducting.

Federico Mondelci has represented Italy on several occasions in the World Saxophone Congress. These include performances in Germany, Japan, USA, and Spain. In Italy, he has performed as soloist with all the major orchestras, including the Orchestra Filarmonica della Scala at La Scala, Milan, conducted by Seiji Ozawa and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. During recent seasons, Mondelci has frequently performed in Russia and now enjoys a particularly close relationship with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra.

Federico Mondelci has been an active promoter of contemporary music and innovator of instrumental technique. Numerous compositions have been dedicated to him and subsequently performed and broadcast for many important venues in Europe and America. His recording of ‘Kya’ by Giacinto Scelsi, was recently awarded the ‘Diapason d’Or’ and a CD for RCA included music written for him by Italian composers. In 2006, Mondelci has given the world premiere of the Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra by the New Zealand composer, John Psathas.

As a conductor has appeared regularly throughout Italy with many important orchestras. In recent seasons, Mondelci has been a frequent guest in Germany and Russia, directing concerts to great acclaim including outstanding soloists as Ilya Grubert, Michael Nyman, Kathryn Stott, Pavel Vernikov, Massimo Mercelli, Francesco Manara, Luisa Castellani.

On saxophone, following his recording for Delos in 1999, Federico Mondelci has given highly successful tours throughout Europe and America, performing his own arrangements of Tangos by Astor Piazzolla.
Other recordings in collaboration with the Italian Saxophone Quartet and with the English pianist Kathryn Stott are listed in Chandos and Delos catalogues.

The concert tour 2009-2010 includes Italy, Finland, Germany, Israel, Russia, U.S.A., New Zealand. In 2010 he will also appear as soloist and conductor in the main season of the Saint Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra.