Alessandra Carlotta Pellegrini Named Director of the National Institute of Verdi Studies

The Board of Directors of the National Institute of Verdi Studies appointed Alessandra Carlotta Pellegrini as the Director of the National Institute of Verdi studies. One of the foremost Italian musicologists of the 20th century, she has worked at institutions of high prestige in musicology such as La Fondazione Isabella Scelsi, where she has been since 2001.

After Giuseppe Verdi’s death in 1901, an institute was created in his honor. The goal of The National Institute of Verdi Studies is to document his life and work. Verdi, a successful Italian opera composer, kept not only musical materials in his library, but also works and artifacts related to history and culture that has been transferred into a specialized collection. Among Verdi’s musical literature collection exists books, extracts, scene arrangements, and libretto sources.

Pellegrini has studied musical philology, which refers to the contemporary repertoire and theater music of the 19th century, and Italian music of the 20th century with particular focus on historical aspects and musical interpretation. She has collaborated in the design, coordination and implementation of research projects and publishing works with cultural institutions, foundations and research centers such as the Central Institute for Sound and Audiovisual / Ministry Heritage and Culture and Tourism, the University of Paris VIII, and The University of Chicago Press.

With the institution’s hopes for re-balancing functions and responsibilities within the organization, including implementing a new Scientific Director position, Pellegrini’s management skills and deep understanding of music, history, and culture should prove valuable to the well-being of the organization.

Marisa Wherry