PROFILE

Transcending BEYOND the NOTE

HOW THE DEDICATION AND ALTRUISM OF CARLO PONTI BRINGS THE POWER OF MUSIC TO AMERICA’S YOUTH

BY MARIA CASTELLUCCI

For many, music is an art of sound that reveals ideas and emotions in compelling forms. Through components of rhythm, melody, harmony, and color, music becomes a uniting art. The modulation of music captures our varying degrees of sentiments and takes us on a symphonic odyssey through the eyes of our imagination. What a gift, what a wonder, what complexity music has given all of us.

“To be a musician is not a profession, but a privilege.” – Maestro Carlo Ponti.

PROFILE

Maestro Carlo Ponti, the son of beloved Italian icon Sophia Loren and acclaimed filmmaker and director Carlo Ponti, Sr., has bestowed his passion and spirit for music upon the world at large in his creation of the Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra (LAV). With a voracious appetite for sharing his love of music, this propelled him, in 2013, to assemble an orchestra, rich with both national and international talent and “formed on the core belief that an orchestra is a unique educational resource.” With a dream, a vision, and a heart of gold, Music and Artistic Director Ponti dedicates 100 percent of the net profits to the study and development of music education.

As an impetus for positive growth and opportunity, Ponti creates connection, hope, and fortuity in the lives of countless youth throughout California and far beyond. All net profits from the Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra’s season performances are allocated to the music education programs of its partner schools: Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles, Hollywood High School, Orange County Music and Dance, Pacoima Elementary School, and The West Hollywood Youth Orchestra. In addition, much support is offered to strengthen musical, community-based organizations, foundations, and institutions committed to youth study of music. The 2020-2021 season’s program lists a variety of exciting, spellbinding concerts to look forward to: Rising Stars, Young Voices, and Music for the Young and Young at Heart, just to name a few.

Music serves as a tool that can bind cultures, ethnicities, and societies in harmony, in sync, and in unity. In a world with continued division and disparity, music offers the prospects of camaraderie and fellowship. While music can evoke a wide range of emotional imbalances, it tends to unite diverse groups and provide zealous and roused responses. The aesthetics of music and its evocative nature as a bare, clean slate allows beauty, acuity, ecstasy, and even sorrow to enter the listener. Can you ponder a time when music awakened your senses? The philosophical and deepseated impacts one can experience while listening to music may offer a plethora of impressions.

Born December 29, 1968, in Geneva, Switzerland, Carlo Ponti, Jr. studied at the Conductor’s Institute in Connecticut under the direction of Harold Farberman from 1994 to 1996. He then continued in Los Angeles under Mehli Mehta, Zubin Mehta, and Andrey Boreyko from 1997 to 1999, before continuing his studies in Vienna, Austria until 2001.

Carlo Ponti and Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra performing at Festival Napa Valley in 2014

Operatic preparation session in Los Angeles

As a notably decorated conductor, Ponti was associate conductor of the Russian National Orchestra from 2000 to 2018. He served as music director and principal conductor of the San Bernardino Symphony from 2001 to 2013, prior to founding The Los Angeles Virtuosi. Ponti’s awards include the Premio Gallileo Award in 2006 for exceptional musical achievement, the 2008 Artistic Achievement Award from the Virginia Waring International Piano Competition, and the 2009 Spirit of Hope Award from the Childhelp Foundation for his contributions to the development and advancement of young musical talent through music education.

Maestro Ponti’s ingenuity revealed itself at the age of six, and his keen interest in the piano led him to begin studying the works of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. “Music was always my main interest and passion. Both my parents were fervent advocates of classical music, and we frequently listened to recordings of orchestral works by Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and other masters during musical family afternoons. These gatherings are some of the most precious and memorable parts of my childhood, and I in great part credit them for developing my love of classical music.”

Having grown up in a decidedly brilliant household, parents Sophia Loren and Carlo Ponti, Sr.—both epic in their film careers—imparted a depth of vision and zest to Maestro Ponti’s drive for excellence. The gifts that Ponti Senior and Loren passed to Carlo Junior were those of warmth and dedication paired with vigor, fervor, and emotion.

“One of my most cherished recollections is my mother sitting by my side when I was practicing piano as a child. She was a wonderful coach, as she played piano herself in her youngest years, being taught by her mother Romilda, my maternal grandmother, who was an accomplished, classically trained pianist in her own right.”

PROFILE

Maestro Carlo Ponti

Mother and father each provided a diverse set of skills and strength while fostering a nurturing sense of discipline. “I credit my late father for me being a conductor today. Even early on when I was a young pianist, he always admonished me to specialize in conducting, as he was fond of saying that he saw in me a predisposition for the profession. Being a film producer, my father had a very acute sense of people’s abilities, and I am glad his instincts have proven right!”

Maestro Ponti invites us to celebrate his prodigious philanthropic nature and his vision to grant youth the connection to music education and the transformative power it provides. Inspiring those to achieve their potential while enriching their lives, Ponti expresses the profound benefits that music, its exposure and education bestows on a child’s life. “The gifts imparted by the study of music are countless. To name but a few, music fosters creativity, concentration, empathy, communication, and perseverance. It teaches cooperation, builds self-esteem and reasoning skills, furthers brain development, helps students stay in school—especially at-risk students—and strengthens academic achievement.”

This journey that Ponti so graciously and selflessly provides to our country’s youth allows a graceful balance of unparalleled entertainment and an incredible opportunity for growth. When asked what inspired his altruism, he responds, “I feel every artist should give back to younger generations and to the community. Being a strong advocate and supporter of young musical talent throughout my career, I felt the need to create a unique ensemble to advocate and support the study of music.”

A devoted father of two, Ponti shares some incredibly insightful thoughts on how his two musically gifted children are embroiled in their father’s vision and mission. The tribute and legacy he has shared with his family, community, and the world heartens and uplifts in a time of defiance and provocation. The beauty one finds within the art of music can transcend any and all distress.

“Both my children, Vittorio and Beatrice, 13 and eight years old respectively, are musically gifted. Beatrice is starting her piano studies this coming year, and Vittorio, already quite an advanced pianist, will give his orchestral debut with the Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra this coming fall, circumstances permitting. My parents always prioritized the values of dedication and perseverance, which are attributes I aim to pass down to my children.”

In a time where a young adult could feel adrift or bemused, Ponti ensures that the future is bright with harmony and fueled with purpose. “I vehemently think that arts education and the study of music are necessary resources that can not only help young people find their callings in life, but also teach them skills and promote qualities that can permanently shape their lives in countless positive ways.”

Regardless of their paths, socioeconomic backgrounds, or talents, the Los Angeles Virtuosi gives children the hope and skill set to find their place in the world. In these times, LAV is pivoting to engage their audience online via music study and concerts. This platform allows them to stay connected with their audience and to continue to inspire and facilitate vastly enriching seasonal programming while the congregation of large groups continues to be shunned.

The Orchestra’s backbone defines the integral culture of family. Coming from an Italian heritage myself, I can attest firsthand that the heart and soul of connection, spirit, warmth, and commitment stem from family. The familial impact that was passed down to him as a young boy empowered the art of perseverance and tenacity, enabling him to give birth to this beautiful, inspiring cause. A formation of legacy is blossoming. This is an evolution of counsel to those who otherwise would not have a chance to engage in music study.

“To this day and to my knowledge, I am the only orchestra conductor in the world that has, or ever had, legendary parents in the film industry. This obviously makes for a set of challenges, as it is a very unique position to be in. I think this special status ultimately is an advantage for me, because it always pushes me to give my best as I represent such a prestigious artistic legacy.”

A truly special status indeed, as Ponti undoubtedly sets the stage with profound gifts to share, as well as new paths to pave. Embellished in a vibrant spectrum of talent, Maestro Ponti’s altruism and hospitality is of true Italian spirit! Metaphysically, music enlightens us to new ways of understanding our beingness. It is of organic strength, created using organic processes, and it grows over time. Music lives within each one of us, and for Maestro Ponti, “It creates a trance coming from intense concentration. I can gauge the effectiveness of a performance by the degree in which I am immersed in the music.”

A collaborative process, music is the organic bond between those who perceive the beating pulse of their own and the flow within them: the forge versus the expression. Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra allows the guest to dive in and experience a musical journey; and, at the helm stands a man whose passion and kinship will thrive and prosper. How will the Ponti legacy be honored and live on? Maestro Ponti answers: “As an indelible, cultural heritage representing passion and excellence, inspiring generations to come.”

Please visit www.lavirtuosi.org for more information and programming details.

Working with the Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra in Los Angeles

Performing at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg