Conductor Arthur Fagen earns strong Italian press for Mozart’s ‘Don Giovanni’ in Jesi and Novara
American conductor Arthur Fagen has drawn enthusiastic critical response in Italy for his recent performances of Mozart’s Don Giovanni at Teatro Pergolesi in Jesi (October 17 & 19) and Teatro Coccia in Novara (October 24 & 26). The productions, featuring the Time Machine Ensemble and presented under the auspices of the Fondazione Pergolesi Spontini, reimagined Mozart’s classic opera through a strikingly gothic lens while maintaining a deep respect for its musical and dramatic foundations. Several Italian media outlets praised Fagen’s leadership for its refinement, dramatic clarity, and stylistic balance.
earrelevant.net/2025/10/conductor-arthur-fagen-earns-strong-italian-press-for-mozarts-don-giovanni-in-jesi-and-novara/
Fagen’s conducting was of excellent quality, guiding the Time Machine with refinement and skill, highlighting the score’s most evocative dynamics and timbres, with tempo choices perfectly calibrated to the opera’s narrative rhythm. His rapport with the singers was impeccable, and they were put at ease by the orchestral volume and a break in tempo that allowed them to bring out the best in their respective vocal instruments.
https://www.corrierebit.com/al-teatro-coccia-di-novara-grande-successo-per-un-don-giovanni-diventato-vampiro/
We really enjoyed Arthur Fagen’s conducting. The American conductor found the right balance between the need to convey the underlying drama of the musical narrative by leading the Time Machine Ensemble Orchestra to develop its full range of dynamics and at the same time alternating wide breaths and tight rhythms, knowingly underlining the various narrative needs. In the arias of the various performers, the opportunity was given to make slight variations in the da capo without too many transgressions, and some initial refinements in the recitatives of a complete edition without cuts.
https://www.musiculturaonline.it/grande-successo-per-il-don-giovanni-di-mozart-a-jesi/
From the podium, Arthur Fagen offers a reading of Mozart’s masterpiece that follows a solid tradition. He delivers a linear and measured narrative, lightening the sound during the more playful moments and intensifying it where the drama becomes darker (especially the final confrontation with the Stone Guest). This assured and reliable orchestration provides the stage and the soloists with the right support. Credit, in this regard, goes also to the Time Machine Ensemble, the resident ensemble at the Pergolesi Spontini Festival in Jesi, which delivered a performance of authoritative professionalism and unity.
https://www.operalibera.net/wp/2025/10/24/don-giovanni-teatro-coccia-novara/
Maestro Arthur Fagen, with his precious and meticulous work, directed the Time Machine Ensemble, a very young orchestra, born eight years ago within the Pergolesi Spontini Foundation.
https://www.qdmnotizie.it/jesi-un-don-giovanni-da-applausi-a-scena-aperta/
On this occasion, he performed with an enlarged ensemble, led by Maestro Arthur Fagen. His conducting was exemplary, concise, without any concessions to mannerism, in keeping with Mozart’s time. The orchestra, while not immense, was certainly effective, where the wind section particularly shone with a soft, crystalline sound.
https://www.operateatro.it/it/recensioni-Opere/Jesi-Un-vampiresco-Don-Giovanni
The musical direction was entrusted to Arthur Fagen, a maestro of international stature, capable of restoring Mozart’s score to all its dynamic and dramatic richness.
https://www.affaritaliani.it/culturaspettacoli/don-giovanni-in-scena-al-teatro-pergolesi-una-rilettura-gotica-per-l-apertura-della-stagione-lirica-di-jesi-988851.html
Arthur Fagen offers a composed and attentive reading of Mozart’s dramma giocoso. He caresses the pages with great inspiration, showcasing the very young musicians of the Time Machine Ensemble and carefully crafting the relationship between the pit and the stage.
https://www.artinmovimento.com/un-don-giovanni-originale-al-coccia-di-novara/