How Rome’s Santa Cecilia Orchestra Came Back To Thrilling Life

“As Italy’s unofficial national symphony for more than 100 years,” the orchestra of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia “has long commanded respect and attracted the finest conductors. And while it is regularly ranked among the world’s top orchestras, it has had its ups and downs, like most such groups.” Over the past ten years, things have been up, thanks to music director Antonio Pappano.