I have appreciated Mr. Marco Ozbič right from the beginning as a straightforward, integer person an outstanding conductor…and his high pedagogical and artistic qualities.
Marco Ozbič
A Maestro's Dawn: Educational and Early Career Milestones
Marco Ozbič's illustrious journey in the classical music world commenced in the scenic city of Trieste, where he graduated in Piano Performance from the Conservatorio G. Tartini in 1990. Under the guidance of Ravel Kodrič, he honed his pianistic skills, laying a solid foundation for his future endeavours. His thirst for musical excellence led him to the prestigious University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna. There, he delved into the intricate art of Orchestral Conducting, Piano Accompaniment, Composition, and Music Theory, graduating in Choral Conducting in 1996 under the tutelage of Günther Theuring.
As a young prodigy, Marco’s talents quickly opened doors to professional music spheres. His early engagements included prestigious projects like the production of "Le nozze di Figaro" for the Mozart Year 1991 at the Opéra du Rhin and the Innsbrucker Barockfestspiele in 1992. He collaborated with William Christie in Paris in 1991, overseeing the solists' preparations for the CD recording of "Il combattimento" released by Harmonia Mundi.
In Vienna, Marco commenced his professional career in 1992 as regens chori at the Rochuskirche in Vienna, where he was deeply involved in the musical arrangement of a wide range of sacred music. This role allowed him to explore an extensive repertoire, spanning from Gregorian chant to the works of composers like Handel, Telemann, Bach, and the Wiener Schule.
1995 marked a significant milestone in his career with his appointment as Kapellmeister with the Vienna Boys’ Choir. Over three years, Marco directed over 600 concerts worldwide, including performances at renowned venues in Italy, Spain, Scandinavia, Japan, and the USA. This period was pivotal in shaping his global perspective in music and provided him with the opportunity to work with great conductors in symphonic productions, such as Ashkenazy, Abbado, Sawallisch, and Prêtre.
In addition to his performing career, Marco was also deeply involved in music education. During his tenure as a teacher at the Conservatory in Venice and the University in Graz, he was appointed the artistic director of the Wiener Jeunesse Chorus. He founded the “Ensemble Salieri - Vienna” in 1998, showcasing his prowess as a conductor and marking his initial triumphs in this role.
This era of Marco's life reflects a blend of rigorous training, early professional experiences, and significant artistic development, laying the groundwork for his later achievements in the world of classical music.
1990
Graduation in Piano Performance
Vienna
Musical education at the University for Music (Conducting, Composition, Music Theory, Opera accompaniment)
1996
Degree in Choral Conducting
The Ascendant Phase: A Symphony of Collaborations and Achievements
In 1999, Marco Ozbič's career took a significant leap forward with his appointment as the deputy choir director and artistic director of the Opera School for Children at the Vienna State Opera. Collaborating with maestros like Mehta, Thielemann, Rattle, and Gatti, Marco played a pivotal role in the preparation of various opera productions, enriching his experience in the operatic realm.
The new millennium witnessed Marco's growing prominence in the world of choral music. He led the Wiener Jeunesse Chorus, conducting groundbreaking performances like the Austrian premiere of Arvo Pärt's "Passio" with the Hilliard Ensemble and the closing concert of the first Salieri Symposium, featuring Salieri's Requiem in C minor.
In 2002, his talents shone at the Salzburg Festival, where he served as the second choir director and coach. He worked on prestigious productions such as Verdi's "Requiem" under Riccardo Muti and Wagner's "Parsifal" with Placido Domingo and James Levine, showcasing his versatility and command over diverse musical styles.
Marco's international stature was further solidified in 2005 with his engagement as choir director and guest conductor at the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples. There, he directed the Italian premiere of Hans Werner Henze's "Cantata of the Muses of Sicily" and collaborated with celebrated conductors like Jeffrey Tate, Riccardo Muti, and Antonio Pappano.
2009 marked another milestone when Marco won the prestigious "Victor de Sabata" conducting competition at the Teatro Verdi in Trieste, a testament to his exceptional conducting skills and artistic vision.
Throughout this era, Marco continued to nurture his passion for music education, teaching at various conservatories and masterclasses across Europe, and co-founding the charity "Il Corpo Cantante - The Singing Body" in London.
This period in Marco's career is a testament to his evolving artistry, marked by significant appointments, collaborations with leading opera houses, and recognition in international competitions. His journey from 1999 to 2010 reflects a blend of artistic growth, global collaborations, and an enduring commitment to musical excellence.
This era in Marco's musical journey is characterized by a harmonious blend of collaborative efforts and professional development. Between 1999 and 2010, his engagements with prestigious opera houses and international competitions highlighted not just his individual talent, but also his ability to work effectively with diverse teams of artists and musicians. The period stands as a reflection of continuous learning, global artistic interactions, and a steadfast dedication to the broader pursuit of musical excellence.
1999-2005
Vienna State Opera: Deputy Chorus Master, piano accompanist and Artistic director of the Opera school
Salzburger Festspiele
Music director of the Wiener Jeunesse Choir
Music director of the Ensemble Salieri - Wien
2005-2009
Chorus director and conductor at Teatro di San Carlo in Naples
Victory and special price in the Victor de Sabata Conducting Competition
2011-2022
Chorus Master and Conductor at the Finnish National Opera
Symphony of Collaborations and Repertoire
The last decade has seen Marco Ozbič's career ascend to new heights, marked by an impressive array of collaborations and leadership roles. He has been an influential figure in some of the most significant festivals and opera houses globally, including the Salzburger Festspiele, Opera of Monte Carlo, Royal Theatre in Copenhagen, Opera of Lyon, Rhine Opera in Strasbourg, La Monnaie in Brussels, and the National Centre for Performing Arts in Beijing. Working alongside distinguished conductors such as Muti, Mehta, Harnoncourt, Pappano, Thielemann, Ozawa, Rattle, Gatti, Steinberg, Tate, Viotti, G. Albrecht, and Segerstam, Marco has woven rich musical narratives across various cultures and styles.
His expertise in conducting has been showcased through his work with prestigious orchestras, including the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples, Teatro Verdi in Trieste, Slovenian National Theatre Orchestra, Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Finnish National Opera Orchestra. These engagements have allowed him to explore and present a diverse repertoire, ranging from classical to contemporary works, further establishing his reputation as a versatile and dynamic conductor.
As a vocal coach, Marco has worked with numerous internationally acclaimed singers, and his performances as a pianist or harpsichordist have been equally noteworthy. His discography glimmers with works like ‘Romanze italiane’, with the Baritone Paul Armin Edelmann a testament to his prowess as a “distinctively incisive pianist co-creator” (K. Löbl, Kurier).
This latest era in Marco Ozbič's career encapsulates a journey of continuous artistic evolution, marked by prestigious collaborations, a diverse conducting repertoire, and a commitment to nurturing future talent.
Collaborations with renowned Opera Houses
Monte Carlo, Copenhagen, Lyon, the NCPA-Beijing
Work with Renowned Conductors and Orchestras
...including celebrated conductors like Muti and Mehta and prominent orchestras, such as the Teatro di San Carlo and the Finnish National Opera Orchestra
Vocal-coach and accompanist
…with acclaimed singers such as Paul and Peter Edelmann, Elisabeth Kulman, Nicolas Rivenq, Cecilia Bartoli, Renato Bruson, Leo Nucci, Roberto Scandiuzzi, Marcelo Álvarez, Maria José Siri, Sabina Cvilak, Annette Dasch, Juan Diego Flórez, Daniela Barcellona…
Harmonies of Education and Artistic Creation
In addition to his performance career, Marco has made significant contributions to music education. He has held positions at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz, the Sibelius Academy and the Metropolia-University, the Conservatory 'C. G. da Venosa' in Potenza.
His masterclasses for singers, instrumentalists, and conductors in the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Austria, Slovenia, and Finland have shared his extensive knowledge and experience, influencing a new generation of musicians.
In recent years, Marco Ozbič has also distinguished himself in the field of composition and arrangement. His original composition 'Izidinia uspavanka' premiered at the Slovenian Philharmonie, and his 'Variations for two pianos' were showcased at the EPTA conference in Vienna. Additionally, his work as an arranger with the 'Wiener Kammersymphonie' highlights his adeptness and creative flair in expanding the classical repertoire.
In the embrace of 'Il corpo cantante - The Singing Body', he continues to sow seeds of musical mastery across England, Italy, and beyond. His quill, not resting, etches compositions and arrangements, adding to the rich tapestry of the Wiener Kammersymphonie.
Pedagogical activities
KUG - Graz, Sibelius Academy, Metropolia University - Helsinki, Conservatories in Benevento, Rovigo, Venice, Potenza and Salerno, Masterclasses with Ashley Stafford’s “The Singing Body-Il Corpo Cantante
Expertise in Early Music
...particularly known for his knowledge in performance practice and for his insightful interpretations of Monteverdi’s works
Composer and Arrangeur
…his compositions have graced venues like the Slovenian Philharmonia, EPTA Congress in Vienna, and FNO. His collaborations with the Wiener Kammersymphonie as an arranger have yielded global performances