In addition to conducting orchestras, choirs and operas, Pirfano is also a composer, speaker and essayist. He has worked as a conductor in Austria, Germany, Poland and Spain.

During his talk, Pirfano spoke about the importance of managing emotions and talent and used examples of successful musical direction to illustrate his views. He explained that a conductor is one of the clearest examples of the role of a leader, as he or she must efficiently, yet creatively manage a large group of highly qualified professionals. As a result, a conductor must possess qualities such as humility and empathy in order to form a close relationship with his or her team and take the musicians’ opinions into account. “The stupidest thing a conductor can do is to reject a proposal he didn’t come up with himself. A true leader knows how to relinquish part of his leadership”, Pirfano asserted.

Pirfano’s experience was also relevant to anyone responsible for managing and coordinating teams. This was the case for those attending the reunion, most of whom were UIC alumni and some of whom were company directors.

The conductor brought his talk to a close with the following message: “The most important things in life are learned, but cannot be taught”. Refreshments were subsequently served and the 150-plus alumni and teaching staff took the opportunity to chat and network.