Meet Antonio Mandosi

We recently connected with Antonio Mandosi and have shared our conversation below.

Antonio, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from my deep passion for music and the discipline required to master an instrument as demanding as the trumpet. It’s a journey that calls for patience, consistency, and the courage to face challenges head-on. Each technical or musical hurdle is an opportunity to grow, not just as a musician but also as a person.
I draw inspiration not only from the great musicians of the past but also from the stories of people, both near and far, who have achieved their goals through immense sacrifice. These narratives remind me that determination and hard work can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Additionally, the connection I feel with audiences and fellow musicians is a constant source of energy and motivation. Sharing emotions through music is a unique experience that pushes me to always give my best.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a professional trumpeter with a lifelong passion for opera, but I’ve also developed a deep appreciation for the electrifying world of musicals. My career has taken me to some of the most renowned stages and collaborations with prestigious institutions like the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma and Teatro di San Carlo in Naples. I’ve had the privilege of performing under the direction of world-class conductors such as Antonio Pappano and Zubin Mehta, whose artistry has left an indelible mark on my career.
Opera has always been my first love—it’s where I feel most connected to music’s emotional power and storytelling depth. Performing Puccini’s La Bohème during a Japan tour with the Teatro Lirico Sperimentale di Spoleto remains one of my most treasured experiences. Additionally, I was honored to be the first European principal trumpet to participate in a world tour of West Side Story, a production that introduced me to the incredible fusion of music, drama, and movement that defines musicals. This genre has opened up new avenues of artistic exploration for me, and I’m excited to deepen my involvement in it while remaining rooted in my operatic foundation.
Today, I’m focused on broadening my artistic journey by exploring projects that bridge opera and musical theater. I’m also dedicated to mentoring young musicians and continuing to bring music to audiences worldwide. Milestones like performing in venues such as Dubai Opera, Tokyo’s Bunka Kaikan, and Paris’s Théâtre du Châtelet, as well as recording for Sony Music, have shaped my career, and I look forward to discovering what lies ahead.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey as a musician, I’d say there are three key qualities that have really made a difference for me: discipline, adaptability, and collaboration. Each of these has shaped my career in meaningful ways and helped me navigate the ups and downs of being a professional trumpeter.
Discipline is something every musician needs, but for me, it became essential early on. The trumpet is a demanding instrument—it requires constant practice to maintain technique and precision. Whether it’s preparing for an opera like La Bohème or performing nearly 400 times on the West Side Story world tour, you have to show up every day ready to give your best. My advice? Find a practice routine that works for you and stick to it. It’s not about how many hours you put in, but about consistent, focused effort.
Adaptability has also been crucial. I’ve been lucky enough to work in both opera and musical theater, two very different worlds. Performing under conductors like Antonio Pappano and Zubin Mehta in the opera sphere taught me how to approach music with depth and nuance, while musicals like West Side Story challenged me to embrace rhythm, energy, and a different style of playing. Being able to switch between these genres has been a huge advantage, and I’d encourage anyone starting out to explore as many styles as possible—it’ll make you a more well-rounded musician and open up more opportunities.
Finally, collaboration is at the heart of everything I do. Whether I’m playing in an orchestra, working with a conductor, or recording for a project, music is never a solo effort. It’s about connecting with others and contributing to a shared vision. For anyone starting out, I’d say: learn how to listen, not just to the music but to the people you’re working with. Building strong relationships with other musicians and industry professionals is just as important as honing your craft.
At the end of the day, being a musician is about growth. It’s about learning from every experience, staying curious, and being open to new challenges. Those qualities have carried me through my career, and I think they can make a difference for anyone just starting out.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

A book that has played a pivotal role in my development is The Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy Gallwey. Although it’s written for tennis players, I find its concepts highly applicable to many areas, especially when it comes to performance in general.
One of the most valuable lessons is the importance of trusting yourself. Gallwey explains how crucial it is to silence that critical inner voice that often gets in the way and instead let your natural abilities take over. This shift in perspective has been transformative for me, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Another idea that resonated deeply with me is the concept of focusing on the present. We often get caught up in worrying about the end result, but real progress happens when we stay fully immersed in the “here and now.” This approach not only reduces anxiety but also enhances performance.
Finally, the notion of nonjudgmental observation is incredibly powerful. Rather than labeling mistakes as “bad,” Gallwey encourages us to look at them with curiosity and use them as opportunities to improve. I’ve found this mindset invaluable, not just in music but in life in general.
I highly recommend this book to anyone, not just athletes, but to all those who deal with performance, whether in the arts or any professional field. It’s a thought-provoking read that offers profound insights into how the mind and body work together—and how we can make the most of both.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @antoniomandosi
• Facebook: Antonio Mandosi

Image Credits

@mauriziosabatini