António Saiote

António Saiote wrote the history of the Clarinet in Portugal.

In classical music, few names resonate as profoundly as António Saiote, a maestro who has not only written the history of the clarinet in Portugal but also illuminated stages worldwide with his virtuosity and passion.

Early Years and Education

Born in Loures, Portugal, Saiote’s remarkable journey began with his studies under the auspices of the Gulbenkian Foundation in Paris, where he trained with luminaries such as Guy Deplus and Jacques Lancelot. His pursuit of excellence led him to Munich to study with Gerd Starke, culminating in a Meisterdiplom from the Hochschule de Munique, awarded with distinction. Saiote’s academic accolades also include a Post-Graduation in Contemporary Music from the University of Alcalá de Henares, Spain, under the mentorship of Artur Tamayo, and an MPhil in Orchestra Conducting from the University of Sheffield, UK.

A Celebrated Soloist

António Saiote’s career as a soloist is marked by performances with prestigious orchestras across the globe, from the Gulbenkian Orchestra in Portugal to the Zurich Symphony Orchestra in Switzerland. His talent has graced world congresses and festivals in numerous countries, including the USA, Belgium, France, and Japan, showcasing his unparalleled skill and artistry on the clarinet.

Conducting with Distinction

Since 1998, Saiote has enjoyed a distinguished parallel career as a conductor, wielding the baton for all Portuguese orchestras and various international ensembles. His repertoire spans a broad range of operatic works, from the classical compositions of Mozart to the modern operas of Kurt Weill. Currently, he serves as the principal conductor of the ESMAE Symphony Orchestra, guiding the next generation of musicians with his profound musical insights.

Honors and Distinctions

Maestro Saiote’s contributions to music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including an Honorary Membership in the International Clarinet Association, the title of Latin-American Clarinet Personality by the Clariperu Association, and the Medal of Honor of the City of Loures (his birthplace) in recognition of his artistic and cultural contribution. In 2023, the Portuguese Republic bestowed him the Commander’s Grade of the Order of Infante D. Henrique, a testament to his profound impact on the cultural landscape.

An Educator and Mentor

Beyond his performance and conducting achievements, António Saiote is dedicated to nurturing emerging talent. This is evidenced by his collaborations with the Venezuelan System of Children and Youth Orchestras and his mentorship at the World Clarinet Congress in Porto. He continues to inspire and educate as the artistic director of the ESMAE Symphony Orchestra and the Marcos Romão International Clarinet Meeting.

Legacy

António Saiote’s legacy is unparalleled excellence and dedication to the art of music. His recordings and performances, available on YouTube, continue to captivate audiences worldwide, making him a towering figure in classical music.

Languages and Global Reach

Fluent in Spanish, Italian, French, German, Polish, and English, Saiote’s international footprint extends over thirty countries across Asia, Europe, America, and North Africa, underscoring his role as a global ambassador for classical music.