Simonide Braconi

Born in Rome, Braconi graduated with First Class Honours from the Santa Cecilia Conservatorium of Rome and later from MUSIC HOCHSCHULE of Friedburg (with Honours), studying respectively with maestros S. Esposito and K. Kashkashian. He pursued his studies with B. Giuranna (Acc. “W. Stauffer” of Cremona) and J. Bashmet (Acc. Chigiana of Siena earning a Diploma with Merit). He has received prizes in numerous international competitions (Colonia “LIONEL TERTIS” competition and so on).
Principal Viola of the des juenes de la mediterranèe orchestra, Braconi earned a place in the European Community Orchestra at the young age of 22, and was selected by Maestro RICCARDO MUTI to assume the role of principal viola in the orchestra of Teatro alla Scala of Milan.
As a soloist Braconi has worked with numerous Italian and foreign orchestras. Recently he won much acclaim for his performance of P. Hidersmith’s KAMMERMUSIC No 5 at the teatro degli ARCIMBOLDI playing with the Teatro alla Scala Philarmonic Orchestra under the direction of Maestro W. SAVALISCH.
Braconi recently foundeded the D’ARCHI DELLA SCALA QUARTET together with several section-leaders of the Scaligera orchestra. Further, he performs in DUO together with his brother MONALDO, pianist and associate of the National Academy of S. Cecilia of Rome.
He is invited annually to hold master classes across several leading musical institutions: Bergamo, Portogruaro, Gubbio, Accademia “T. Varga” of Sion.
Braconi teaches at Milano Music Master.
Braconi has made several recordings both as a soloist and with chamber groups.
What reliable critics say about Braconi: “a consistently compact sound” (The Strad), “he has made an impact with his technical skill, and the glow of his instrument” (Badener Tagblatt), “notice Braconi’s light, gallant touch while playing C. Bach’s Adagio concerto in C minor” (Corriere della Sera), “Braconi displays first-class instrumental skill demonstrating a smooth, delicate and consistent sound with excellent technique (CD Classica).

Braconi plays an 1800 Giuseppe Gagliano viola.