The National Association of Music Critics has awarded the Abbiati Prize for Best Conductor to Emmanuel Tjeknavorian, Music Director of the Milan Symphony Orchestra. The jury, chaired by Angelo Foletto and composed of the board of the National Association of Music Critics—Andrea Estero, Alessandro Cammarano, Carlo Fiore, Gianluigi Mattietti, Carla Moreni, and Roberta Pedrotti—along with seven critics elected by the Association's members—Attilio Cantore, Susanna Franchi, Cesare Galla, Giancarlo Landini, Gregorio Moppi, Alessandro Rigolli, and Lorenzo Tozzi—decided to bestow this prestigious award on Emmanuel Tjeknavorian, who will assume the position of Music Director of our Orchestra in September 2024, crowning a journey begun just a few months ago and immediately met with unanimous enthusiasm from both the audience and critics.

For the second consecutive year, the Abbiati Prize awarded to Tjeknavorian represents the recognition of the National Association of Music Critics towards the Fondazione Orchestra Sinfonica e Coro Sinfonico di Milano Giuseppe Verdi, reaffirming at the highest level the artistic excellence achieved by the Institution, based at the Auditorium of Milan.

These are the words of Emmanuel Tjeknavorian.

I am deeply honored to receive the Premio Abbiati for Best Conductor. This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the extraordinary journey I have embarked on with the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano. In just few months, we have built something truly special—an artistic bond fueled by passion, trust, and an unrelenting pursuit of musical excellence. This award is a reflection of shared dedication, and I am profoundly grateful to the orchestra and our audience, whose unwavering support inspires us every day.

These are the words of President Ambra Redaelli.

© foto Sergio Bertani