Nello Santi

Nello Santi (born September 22, 1931), Italian conductor, often called "Papa Santi" by his fellow musicians to show their high respect for his work. Original, vintage, pen and ink, "on-the-spot" illustration by George 'Georges' Krishizki. The hand drawn illustration has been signed by Santi and additionally signed, dated and titled by Krishizki: "Georges / 1986 / Nello Santi conducting the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in 'Aida' by Giuseppe Verdi."

Santi was born in Adria (Veneto), Italy. He studied composition at the Liceo musicale of Padua. In 1951, he made his debut as a conductor in Padua conducting Verdi's Rigoletto at the Teatro Verdi. He was appointed as the music director of the Zurich Opera House from 1958 to 1969. He has conducted at the Zurich Opera from 1958,Metropolitan Opera from 1962 when he made his debut with Verdi's Un ballo in maschera, Royal Opera House with La traviata and many more opera houses all over the world including Verona Arena. At some time, Nello Santi retired to Riehen (canton Basel-Stadt), but still occasionally gave very much appreciated concerts in Basel.

George 'Georges' Krishizki (March 22, 1924 – December 20, 2001), Russian-Polish-American illustrator who came to the U.S. in 1949. While he earned acclaim for his renderings of the city’s architectural landmarks, it was his on-the-spot drawings of musicians in performance that attracted an especially appreciative audience. In a 1973 article published in conjunction with two simultaneous exhibitions, Georges explained the genesis of his long-running engagement with the concert hall: “I’ve always enjoyed going to concerts, and one day I decided it would be fun to combine my interests in music and art and make sketches of musicians during performances.”  Indeed, the most remarkable feature of Georges’ oeuvre, apart from the astounding range of performers who gladly expressed their approval and appreciation by signing, is the skill with which the drawings are accomplished.

This original pen and ink illustration, measuring approximately 9 x 12, on heavy-weight sketch paper, is in fine condition with some light overall toning. Its verso is blank and clean.