Biography
A flautist renowned internationally for his expertise on the traverso, Serge Saitta has established himself as one of the leading figures in the performance of historical instruments.
After brilliant musical studies at the Lyon Conservatory, where he won several first prizes, he continued his training at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels under Bart Kuijken, an emblematic figure in the revival of early music. This encounter profoundly influenced his artistic approach and his commitment to historically informed performance practices.
He quickly launched an international career, becoming principal flute of the ensemble Les Arts Florissants, conducted by William Christie. With this leading ensemble, he has performed in the world’s most prestigious concert halls and participated in numerous recordings.
In parallel, Serge Saitta collaborates with prestigious specialist ensembles such as La Petite Bande, La Grande Écurie et la Chambre du Roy, and Opera Fuoco. He also develops his own artistic projects, notably with his ensemble Le Mercure Galant, exploring the 17th- and 18th-century repertoire with exacting standards and sensitivity.
His regular collaboration with La Cappella Mediterranea and its director Leonardo García Alarcón has led him to participate in landmark productions on major European stages, including the Paris Opera.
A dedicated teacher, Serge Saitta has devoted a significant part of his career to teaching. He was professor of traverso and chamber music at the Geneva University of Music from 2004 to 2024, where he trained numerous generations of musicians now active on the international stage. He has also given many masterclasses in Europe, North America, and Asia.
Through his work as a concert performer and teacher, Serge Saitta has made a decisive contribution to the promotion of the traverso and the rediscovery of the Baroque repertoire, combining stylistic rigor, musical curiosity, and a profound commitment to sharing his knowledge.