By Nancy Gilson

On a sultry Saturday afternoon, Alessandro Siciliani stood at the front of an old church in the University District, directing the principal singers in a rehearsal of the 125-year-old opera Cavalleria rusticana. Despite the heat, he waved his baton, jumped, stomped a foot and hummed along during some of the most dramatic moments.

Once, he pulled his trademark red handkerchief from a pants pocket and waved it playfully at the singers. His animation would surely resonate with those who remember the Italian-born conductor from his 11 years as music director of the Columbus Symphony. Siciliani left the orchestra in 2004, but he hasn't left Columbus.

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Source: http://www.dispatch.com/