Federico's Golden Flute

First there were 42, then just 3. After a busy schedule of auditions held by Musical Youth of Italy with some of the most talented classical musicians in the country. And the best three were selected to perform on 28 March at Teatro Dal Verme in Milan. One of those three was Federico Rossini, 19 years old, from Milan and enrolled in his first year of the Bachelor in Business Administration and Management, flautist. Very sure of himself, Federico talks casually and without being pretentious, about his debut as a "child prodigy." "When I was 7, following my parents' passion, I had my first exposure to the recorder. I started attending the Conservatory, which is where I went on to take up the flute. I don't remember much about those times, when practicing was more of just a game."

The average age for graduation from the Conservatory is 20 years old, but Federico completed his studies at age 14, thanks to his talent. But when did he know he was talented? "At the beginning it was all very natural, at the Conservatory they use traditional teaching methods adapted to children of that age. Then passion sets in, when you realize that dedicating two or three hours per day to music in addition to studying is not a problem. It's only later that talent shows." Federico studies with his teacher, Bruno Cavallo, and performs in concerts while continuing university studies. He has already performed at both Teatro Dal Verme and Palazzo della Regione. But economics is not just an insurance policy against the risks and uncertainties of a music career: "I like economics, the prospect of a career in management or as a financial wizard interests me. And after I finish the Bachelor program, I'm going to enroll in a Master of Science of course."

At Dal Verme Federico performed with his wonderful "9-carat gold flute with silver keys, a wonderful instrument, but," he makes sure to explain, "it's not about the beauty, since it would be a very expensive whim. These materials produce a very beautiful sound."

For now, though difficult, music is still the first mainstream love gripping the "professions of culture." "There's a problem that's not just an Italian one, but one that's found in the rest of Europe as well: funds for cultural programs are being reduced. Being selected at these auditions is an important opportunity," says Federico, "because Musical Youth of Italy have stipulated agreements with societies that organize concerts and open up interesting prospects for the three of us."

Turning a passion into a profession is a dream for many people. Is this the case for Federico? "I like to play music, that's beyond a doubt. I still hope the flute can become my career. The most common path is to become part of an orchestra and then hold concerts as well. But I need to be realistic, the situation is not a simple one. I know that there are flautists who win competitions but then are not hired later on due to a lack of funds. There's also a lot of competition, there are other young, talented flute players and the advantage I had from graduating early from the Conservatory is less important as each year goes by. However, there is not a certain age when I need to prove myself once and for all, and I need both opportunities and skill." How much more will Federico wait? "I don't know, for now I'm going to continue, working hard, with both music and university, and I know I can do it. And the outcome of this competition has provided some great incentives."