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We’re delighted to share “Zu Erich”, a witty and imaginative composition performed live during the Sujazzstiva concert at Ceresio Estate in Lugano on September 3, 2023.

This piece, composed by Marco Santilli, breathes life into the legend of Zurich’s patron saints Felix, Regula, and Exuperantius—Christian martyrs who carried their severed heads to their final resting place. But before their fateful end, the story begins with a less dramatic but amusing twist.

According to this playful retelling, the three saints arrive in Zurich and, feeling quite lost, ask the locals for directions. In response, they are continuously told to go “Zu Erich!”—a direction that becomes so repeatedly shouted that the vowels merge into an unmistakable “Zürich!” Thus, the city’s name is born amid the flurry of confusion and excitement.

The music mirrors this humorous chaos with its rapid exchanges, bustling melodies, and a crescendo of jubilant fanfare worthy of a stadium celebration. References to the Sechseläuten march, Ticino folk song “Se parto per Zurigo”, and even Wagner’s Tristan chord—reportedly forgotten in Zurich—add layers of wit and musical homage.

🎶 This piece transforms history into a grand musical farce, complete with a triumphant, three-part fugue symbolizing the unwavering spirit of the three saints.

📅 Recorded live at Ceresio Estate, September 3, 2023.

🎧 Watch the performance on Youtube:

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We’re excited to share “Ale.com”, a dynamic and daring composition performed live at the Sujazzstiva concert in Castagnola, Lugano, on September 3, 2023.

This energetic jazz piece, full of sharp edges and unpredictable rhythms, is inspired by the legend “Il Diavolo e la Bugia”. The tale recounts the fate of Marcusse, a greedy nobleman in Bidogno whose deceit led to his undoing. After demanding payment twice from a humble farmer and swearing that the devil should take him if he lied, Marcusse refused to remove his shirt, fearing his own words. But one day, when the shirt finally tore apart, the devil claimed him, dragging him to the depths of hell through a hole in the villa floor that no one could ever close.

The composition Ale.com captures the tension and chaos of Marcusse’s unraveling fate. Its jagged, punchy rhythms echo the cracks in his deception, while its driving momentum reflects the devil’s relentless approach. Yet, within this storm of sound, there is also wit, a sense of rebellious charm, and, perhaps, a sly reminder of fate’s twists and turns.

🎶 Ale.com is more than music—it’s a bold story brought to life through a powerful performance.

📅 Recorded live at Sujazzstiva in Castagnola, Lugano, September 3, 2023.

🎧 Watch the full performance on Youtube!

We’d love to know your impressions: Does this piece make you think of life’s unexpected turns?

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We are pleased to share “Dauer der Ewigkeit”, a profound composition by Marco Santilli that was performed live at the LAC in Lugano.

This piece is inspired by an ancient legend from Bosco Gurin, the highest village in Ticino, once home to a community of Walser settlers. Though Gurinerdeutsch, their unique dialect, is rarely spoken today, the stories have endured. One such tale describes a small bird sharpening its beak on a massive stone known as “en ‘Pezta”.

Every 300 years, the bird returns to the stone, and when the stone has been completely worn down, eternity itself is said to come to an end.

The music beautifully embodies this contrast: the tiny bird and the vast, unyielding stone, the fleeting and the infinite. The piece unfolds with a heavy, spacious melody that evokes the slow passage of time—dark yet spacious, with a thread of hope that rises through the shadows.

🎶 Let Dauer der Ewigkeit transport you to a place where time stretches endlessly, yet feels fragile and fleeting.

📅 Recorded live at the LAC Lugano, 3 November 2024.

🎧 Watch the performance on Youtube:

We’d love to hear your impressions—what emotions does this legend and its musical interpretation awaken in you?

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We’re excited to share a thrilling moment from our concert at the LAC in Lugano: “Sana Follia”, an electrifying composition by Marco Santilli.

Inspired by the legend of La strega della Biaschina, this piece paints the tale of the Corvaccia, a feared yet tragic figure whose reputation as a witch spread fear across the region of Giornico. Her crooked frame, wild black hair, and piercing gaze fueled superstitions, and the villagers whispered tales of her malevolent powers: cows that stopped giving milk, hunts that ended empty-handed, and sudden storms that ruined the harvest.

The name Corvaccia, meaning “hooded crow” in Italian, was a fitting nickname for the witch due to the bird’s symbolic and physical characteristics. Often associated with mystery, bad omens, and misfortune, the hooded crow evoked the same unease the villagers felt toward her wild hair, sharp face, and ominous gaze.

But the Corvaccia’s story took an even darker turn when she set her sights on marriage. After her husband’s mysterious death, suspicion thickened like the mist around the Biaschina Gorge. Despite the lack of proof, the townspeople grew increasingly restless and wary of her presence—until one man, Bastiano, came up with an unorthodox plan to render the Corvaccia harmless once and for all. But was his solution madness, courage, or a touch of both?

The performance captured every twist of this tale—the creeping tension, the mischief, and the unexpected humor—all wrapped in a musical journey that kept the audience spellbound.

🎧 Watch the full performance on [YouTube].

We’d love to know your impressions! What emotions did the music stir in you? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned for more stories and legends transformed into music!

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We are delighted to share a memorable moment from our concert at the LAC in Lugano—an emotional performance of “Ave Maria” by Marco Santilli’s CheRoba & il Fiato delle Alpi.

This original composition, written and arranged by Marco Santilli, was inspired by a poignant legend from Bosco Gurin. After an avalanche buried the chapel dedicated to the Madonna della Neve, a miraculous light guided the villagers in rediscovering their faith and unity.

The audience at the LAC was moved by the performance, as the music’s solemn beauty and haunting melodies filled the hall. Many shared how the music transported them, evoking feelings of nostalgia, resilience, and hope.

🎶 Highlights from the Concert:

  • A captivating arrangement blending traditional Swiss motifs with a chamber jazz interpretation.
  • A rich emotional journey, beautifully conveyed by the ensemble’s synergy and Marco Santilli’s sound projection.

🎧 Watch the full performance on Youtube and don’t forget to follow us for more stories transformed into music!

We would love to hear your impressions! Share your thoughts or personal reflections about “Ave Maria” in the comments below—your stories inspire us.

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Haben Sie das Gefühl, dass Ihr Klarinettenregister noch mehr Potenzial entfalten könnte? Mein Ziel ist es, gemeinsam mit Ihren Klarinettist:innen die Klangfülle, Phrasierung und Balance im Ensemble zu perfektionieren.

Mit jahrzehntelanger Erfahrung als Dirigent von Blasorchestern, Big Bands und Klarinettenchören sowie als Leiter von Klarinetten-Workshops schöpfe ich aus einem breiten musikalischen Spektrum. Meine Tätigkeiten als Arrangeur und Komponist, kombiniert mit professioneller Erfahrung in Klassik, Jazz, Folk und Pop/Rock, ermöglichen es mir, Ihre Musiker:innen individuell zu fördern und das Beste aus ihnen herauszuholen.

Rückmeldungen aus meinen Workshops

  • Marco Santilli hat es ganz ausgezeichnet gemacht. Er versteht es, uns Amateure zu motivieren und zu sehr guten Leistungen anzuspornen.
    F. G.
  • Encore une fois merci pour ton enthousiasme, ton professionnalisme et ta bonne humeur.
    F. C.
  • Marco ha diretto l’orchestra di clarinetti con grande abilità, energia e piacere. Un repertorio variegato, vivace, incoraggiante e impegnativo.
    E. S.

Ich freue mich darauf, auch mit Ihrem Ensemble zu arbeiten!
Für weitere Informationen stehe ich Ihnen gerne zur Verfügung.

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Ho ho ho! 🎅 È arrivato il periodo delle feste, e quale momento migliore per riscoprire le mie quattro canzoni di Natale? Qualche anno fa, le ho composte, arrangiate e interpretate, e brillano ancora luminose come la stella in cima all’albero 🎄✨

Una delle mie preferite è “Christmas News,” che racconta la storia di Rico Cafone, un eroe fuorilegge immaginario degli anni ’30-’40. Rico, un affascinante italo-americano dai capelli rossi, è un seduttore che ruba i gioielli delle signore dell’alta società durante feste da ballo. Ma il suo scopo è nobile: donare ai bambini poveri durante il Natale. Convinti che la loro ricchezza materiale sia facilmente rimpiazzabile, i ricchi ospiti chiudono un occhio, aggiungendo un tocco di umorismo e calore a questa storia ispirata a Robin Hood.

“Marry Me at Christmas” prende in giro il consumismo moderno e l’ossessione per le “date speciali” nei matrimoni. Mentre le coppie si affrettano a scegliere date memorabili come il 20/12/2012, lo sposo di questa canzone decide di esagerare, scegliendo la data palindroma 25/12/2512. Evidentemente non ha fretta di dire “lo voglio”! Il tono giocoso del brano sottolinea come spesso perdiamo di vista il vero significato del Natale in favore di gesti grandiosi e perfezioni numeriche.

“Mistletoe Forever” ci porta in un triangolo amoroso dolceamaro. “Lui, lei e l’altro” si incontrano sotto il pretesto di una romantica atmosfera natalizia, ma la storia prende una svolta inaspettata. Lei arriva in ritardo al loro incontro, lasciando due uomini ad aspettarla: uno con un vischio appena colto e l’altro con un mazzo di lillà. Alla fine, entrambi rimangono a mani vuote—ma con il cuore pieno. Insieme, i due uomini trovano conforto nella loro esperienza condivisa e se ne vanno come amici, brindando a nuovi inizi.

Infine, “Merry Christmas to My Friends” offre una riflessione calda ma sottilmente ironica sulle riunioni natalizie. Vecchi amici si riuniscono, condividendo con orgoglio i loro successi e grandi progetti. Ma dietro i brindisi e l’atmosfera festiva, i testi prendono affettuosamente in giro le pompose riunioni che, da bambina, osservavo con sano scetticismo. Questa ballata romantica è sia una celebrazione che una leggera critica alle tradizioni sociali del periodo natalizio.

Quindi, prendi una tazza di cioccolata calda, premi play ▶️ e lascia che la mia musica accompagni i tuoi momenti natalizi. E se ti fa sorridere (o magari emozionare), fammi sapere—mi farebbe piacere leggere i tuoi pensieri!

Ti auguro un Natale pieno di musica e amore,

Marco

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Ho ho ho! 🎅 The holiday cheer is here, and what better time to rediscover my four Christmas songs? A few years ago, I composed, arranged, and performed these festive gems, and they’re still shining bright like the star on top of the tree 🎄✨

One of my favorites is “Christmas News,” a lively tale of Rico Cafone, a fictional outlaw hero from the 1930s-40s. Rico, a charming Italian-American with striking ginger hair, is a smooth talker who steals from high-society ladies at glamorous ballroom parties—not for his own gain, but to bring joy to poor children during the festive season. Convinced their jewels are easily replaceable, the wealthy victims turn a blind eye, adding a touch of humor and heart to this Robin Hood-inspired story.

“Marry Me at Christmas” pokes fun at modern consumerism and the obsession with “special dates” for weddings. As couples scramble to secure unforgettable dates like 20/12/2012, this groom decides to take it to the extreme, choosing the palindrome date 25/12/2512. Clearly, he’s in no rush to say “I do”! The song’s playful tone highlights how we often lose sight of the true meaning of the season in favor of grand gestures and numerical perfection.

“Mistletoe Forever” takes us into a bittersweet love triangle. “He, she, and the other” meet under the pretext of holiday romance, but the story takes an unexpected turn. She arrives late to their rendezvous, leaving two men waiting: one with a freshly picked mistletoe and the other with a bouquet of lilacs. In the end, they’re left empty-handed—but not empty-hearted. Together, the two men find solace in their shared experience, leaving as friends with a toast to new beginnings.

Finally, “Merry Christmas to My Friends” offers a warm yet subtly ironic reflection on holiday reunions. Old friends come together, proudly sharing their successes and grand plans. But behind the festive airs and toasts to future days, the lyrics gently poke fun at the pompous gatherings that, as a child, I observed with a healthy dose of skepticism. This romantic ballad is both a celebration and a gentle critique of the season’s social traditions.

So, grab some cocoa, hit play ▶️ and let my music be the soundtrack to your Christmas moments. And if it brings a smile (or a misty eye), I’d love to hear about it—drop me a note!

Wishing you a Christmas season full of music and love,
Marco

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Experience the harmonious blend of clarinet and organ at Orgelwind, featuring Marco Santilli (clarinet and bass clarinet) and Ivan Tibolla (organ).

This unique concert, set in the beautiful St. Franziskus Church in Zurich-Wollishofen, takes place on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 17:00.

Explore a diverse program that traverses styles from Gregorian chants to jazz, classical works, and original compositions. Admission is free, with a collection to help cover costs. Don’t miss this exceptional musical journey that bridges traditional and modern influences!

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Join us for a captivating evening of music as we present “Sujazzstiva in due” — a duo concert inspired by the enchanting fairy tales and legends of the Italian part of Switzerland. Experience the unique interplay between Marco Santilli (clarinets, compositions) and Marina Vasilyeva (piano) in the historic setting of the Alte Spitalkirche zum Heiligen Geist, Solothurn.

The concert will take place on Wednesday, November 13th at 19:30.

Be transported by original compositions that weave storytelling and musical expression into an unforgettable performance. Visit the Sujazzstiva in due Playlist on Youtube.

Marina Vasilyeva and I can’t wait to share this special night with you! 🌔✨

Click here to download the concert flyer (pdf).