The interview of the month

Let’s meet Stefano Murciano, Marketing and Development Manager of the Rossini Opera Festival.

1. Could you tell us about your professional experience before joining the ROF?

My professional career is a fascinating mosaic of experiences in the world of performance and culture, interwoven with my inexhaustible passion for theatre. It all started with the end of year school plays, when I first stepped on stage. From that moment on, theatre became my life, a love that I have never stopped cultivating.

I graduated from the University of Bari “Aldo Moro” with a degree in Literature, Theatre Culture and Sciences of Performance and Multimedia Production. I then went on to study opera directing at the Accademia per l’Opera Italiana in Verona and obtained a Master’s degree in Performance Entrepreneurship at the Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna. I also have a Master’s degree in Didactic, Psychological and Anthropological Methods and Design Theory and Methods, and a Master’s degree in Sponsorship and Fundraising for Art and Performance from the Accademia Teatro alla Scala in Milan.

I began my professional career as a theatre director and organiser of cultural initiatives, which gave me the opportunity to curate international initiatives and reviews of prose and music, including as artistic director of the municipal theatre in my home town. In this role I was able to experience the beauty and complexity of theatre work, an experience that gave me a solid foundation for all future adventures.

I had the honour of working as an assistant director in prestigious institutions such as the Teatro San Carlo in Naples and in the cinema, where I founded a film production company with some extraordinary colleagues. I also supervised the artistic direction of Puglia Off, a regional live performance distribution network, and was production manager for the Matera 2019 European Capital of Culture projects, working with the best professionals in the sector.

2. What was your first contact with the Festival?

The 6th of March is an indelible date for me, as it coincides with the birthday of my mother, Norma. On that day in 2017, I learned from the news of the death of Alberto Zedda, a figure I had always deeply admired. Although I did not know him personally, I felt a sharp pain, as if I had lost a spiritual guide. This event led me to seek contact with the Rossini Opera Festival. Already in 2018 I started working as a production assistant and after a few years here I am.

Joining the ROF was like crossing the threshold of an enchanted world, where Rossini’s music echoes in every corner. Right from the start I felt part of a big family, immersed in a dynamic and stimulating environment full of creativity. This first contact made me aware of the importance of our work and motivated me to always give my best.

3. You are in charge of the Marketing and Development Office. Could you explain what your job involves?

My role at the Rossini Opera Festival requires passion, creativity and in-depth knowledge of the sector. On a daily basis, I coordinate and implement marketing strategies to promote the Festival nationally and internationally, creating engaging communication campaigns that tell the ROF story and attract public attention.

I manage sponsor and partner relationships, working with companies and institutions that share our cultural vision. These partnerships are essential not only for financial support, but also for the visibility and prestige they bring to the Festival.

I also develop fundraising initiatives, organise special events and seek new sources of funding to support the Festival. I analyse the performance of our initiatives to optimise results, combining creativity and strategic analysis to ensure the success and economic sustainability of the ROF.

4. What is your favourite memory of your experience at ROF?

Every experience at ROF has taught me something new and allowed me to grow both professionally and personally.

Among the many unforgettable moments, my fondest memory is of my first festival closing night. As the curtain came down, the thunderous applause from the audience overwhelmed me with a wave of emotion and gratitude. Seeing the audience enraptured by the magic of the music and feeling the satisfaction of the artists filled me with pride and made me realise how important our work was.

Another unforgettable memory was meeting David Sassoli in 2019. I met him in Matera and had the good fortune to listen to him speak admiringly about the festival where I was already working. His words moved me, filled me with pride and made me realise how our work has such a profound impact on everyone. Since then, I wake up every day knowing that I am part of something extraordinary and this gives me the strength and motivation to face every challenge and work with passion and dedication.

Every day at the ROF is an opportunity to turn visions into reality and create unforgettable moments for our audiences and artists. The passion I put into my work is fuelled by the power of Rossini’s music to unite people and uplift the human spirit. To see an audience enthralled and to know that I have contributed to that magic is a priceless feeling. This motivates me to always give my best, aware that the Rossini Opera Festival is not just an event, but an experience that leaves a deep mark on all those who participate. For me, the ROF is an example of cultural excellence and a constant source of professional inspiration.

Published in : 29 July 2024