Antonio Gangemi

Antonio Gangemi graduated with distinction from the State Conservatory of Music “A. Corelli” in Messina under the guidance of G. Petronaci, a direct descendant of the oboe school of A. Pasculli.

He continued his studies with M. Bourgue and H. Elhorst and later as an internal student at the “Staatliche Hochschule für Musik” in Freiburg im Breisgau (Germany) in the class of H. Holliger, earning the International Advanced Diploma with the highest distinction.

As a chamber musician, he refined his skills with M. Marvulli, G. Garbarino, and B. Canino.

At a young age, he won competitions and auditions for the position of principal oboe in various orchestras, including the “Giovanile di Fiesole,” “Accademia Musicale Pescarese,” and “Giovanile della RAI (Italian Radio and Television).”

In 1990, he recorded the “Cinq Pièces Pour Le Hautbois” by A. Doráti for ARAM in a live concert at the “Discoteca di Stato” in Rome, marking its Italian premiere (following H. Holliger’s world premiere in Zurich).

As an oboe soloist with orchestra, he has performed numerous concerts, including A. Marcello’s Concerto in D minor and A. Albinoni’s Concerto in D minor, appearing as a soloist in a reprise of P. Pierlot’s premiere at the Royal Palace of Caserta with the Caserta Chamber Orchestra, conducted by A. Cascio.

He was awarded the position of Principal Oboe at the “Teatro Bellini” Orchestra in Catania and collaborated in the same role with various prestigious orchestras, including the resident orchestra of the “Teatro Petruzzelli” in Bari.

As Principal Oboe, he has worked under conductors such as M. Gusella, D. Oren, M. De Bernart, and B. Aprea, performing in major opera productions, including Verdi’s Aida at the “Teatro Petruzzelli” in Bari under the baton of D. Oren and Rossini’s La Scala di Seta conducted by B. Aprea at the Auditorium of the “Santa Cecilia” Academy in Rome.

His concert activity has seen him perform as a soloist and chamber musician in the programs of major musical and cultural associations in Italy and abroad, such as “Accademia Filarmonica Laudamo,” “Filarmonica Laudamo,” “Vincenzo Bellini” in Messina, and “Amici della Musica” in Milazzo.

For many years, he was a member of the chamber music group “I Solisti Dauni,” directed by Domenico Losavio, with whom he performed extensively in Italy and France for prestigious festivals and music events, including the “Festival Cantelli” in Novara, “Festival Pontino di Musica” in Sermoneta, “Annecy International Film Festival,” and “Festival della Musica” in Lyon.

As part of the chamber group “Arte Musica,” alongside Loredana Caridi (piano) and Rosemarie Soncini (flute), he performed concerts throughout Calabria and Sicily featuring contemporary music, including Italian and world premieres by composers such as J. Felderhof, J.M. Damase, and M. Dring, receiving critical and public acclaim.

Since 1985, he has been dedicated to oboe teaching at the State Conservatories of Music “A. Corelli” in Messina and later “F. Cilea” in Reggio Calabria, where he currently holds a professorship.