"If this Giulio Cesare deserves to be remembered for anything, it should be for Francesco Corti's conducting. Here he establishes himself as a great Handel master in one of his finest compositions. From the opening, he made the orchestra sound vigorous and full of nuance. There was nothing routine about his approach. Corti imbued every recitative, aria, duet, or ensemble number with intention and discernment. The wide palette of colors and emotions that Handel deploys in this opera was reflected in Corti's interpretation. Corti himself demonstrated that, in addition to being a sensational soloist, he is a magnificent continuo player, full of spark and imagination."

Imanol Temprano Lecuona, Scherzo Magazine, 23.02.2026

"But the enchantment would not be complete without the sumptuous musical performance of the Opera Ballet Vlaanderen Symphony Orchestra, which, under the fiery baton of Francesco Corti, is transformed into a veritable character in the drama. The young Italian conductor, whose rigor, energy, and mastery of colour are truly remarkable, delivers a reading of rare clarity, panache, and sensitivity. Every section shines, every phrase sings, in a perfect balance between dramatic tension and pure musical beauty. It is an intoxicating Mozart, brimming with vitality and emotion."

Emmanuel Andrieu, Classique News, 19 January 2026

"The big winner of the performance is conductor Francesco Corti with the Opera Ballet Vlaanderen Symphony Orchestra. He has clearly filtered all the nuances of seduction, drama, and irony from Mozart's score and, with the orchestra, supports the emotional impact of the singers."

Lucrèce Maeckelbergh, Klassiek Centraal, January 2026

"Il Pomo d’Oro and the ever-impressive, detailed conductor Corti confirmed themselves as a characterful, expansive, theatrically obsessed, robust, rhythmically bombastic powerhouse in contours, phrasing, and contrast - a benchmark in Baroque performance."

Jens Klier, Bachtrack, May 2025

"Francesco Corti’s approach worked admirably in the intimate setting of Wigmore Hall, preserving the ensemble feel with solo voices. Returning with The English Concert after a rewarding 2023 appearance, his St John Passion began with silence but soon revealed vibrant energy and sense of drama, as well as contemplation, despite the challenge of 24 musicians on the small stage. The performance was marked by passion and a sense of dramatic engagement from all concerned."

Robert Hugill, Planet Hugill, April 2025

"Francesco Corti, leading the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin at Staatsoper Unter den Linden, once again confirmed his ability to hit the right buttons for a touching, intoxicating and captivating drama with his affect- and melody-driven rhythm, elegance, emphasis, phrasing, and dynamics, especially with vocal detail from the strings and vital recitative presentation. Drama that brings even the seemingly most timeworn works to vivid, tangible life, lifting both score and orchestra immeasurably."

Jens Klier, Bachtrack, February 2025