Christian
Capacaccia
Conductor
Renowned for his dynamic presence on the podium, Italian conductor Christian Capocaccia is celebrated as a conductor of exceptional insight and musicality. His vibrant conducting style, combined with a natural rapport with musicians and vocalists, has endeared him to orchestras, opera companies, and singers alike.
As the Artistic and Music Director of both Syracuse Opera and Tri-Cities Opera, Capocaccia helmed productions ranging from La Cenerentola and Le nozze di Figaro to lesser-known gems like Der Schauspieldirektor and The Ballad of the Brown King. Notable highlights include his direction of Pagliacci for the Pittsburgh Festival Opera in 2023, followed by the rarely performed verismo masterpiece, La Vestale, with Teatro Grattacielo. His success with Zandonai’s Giulietta e Romeo in 2022 further solidified his reputation. In 2024 Maestro Capocaccia conducts Monteverdi’s Orfeo at Oberlin, and the world premiere of Flagello’s Beyond The Horizon for Teatro Grattacielo. He returns to Oberlin in 2025 for La Finta Giardiniera.
In his tenure as Artistic and Music Director of Syracuse Opera from 2019 to 2022, Capocaccia showcased his versatility by leading Così fan tutte and Candide. His engagements extended beyond opera, including a collaboration with the Curtis Institute of Music for a new production of Il barbiere di Siviglia and conducting performances with The Württembergische Philharmonie in Stuttgart and Reutlingen.
Capocaccia's international footprint includes performances throughout Italy, such as a production of L’elisir d’amore in Tuscany, and collaborations with esteemed institutions like Welsh National Opera. He has also graced stages in the United States and Europe, conducting renowned orchestras such as the Orchestra di Roma e del Lazio and the Moscow Ballet Orchestra.
A multifaceted musician, Capocaccia's journey began at the Santa Cecilia Music Conservatory in Rome, where he studied under Paolo Ciociola. He further honed his craft with violinist Nina Beilina in New York and pursued composition studies under Boris Porena and Luciano Pelosi. His conducting mentors include Piero Bellugi, Donato Renzetti, and David Effron, under whom he graduated from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Capocaccia's dedication to his craft is evident in his participation in masterclasses with luminaries such as Herbert Blomstedt and Leonard Slatkin.
Born in Rome, Capocaccia's passion for music has taken him across continents, establishing him as a conductor of international acclaim.