Noteworthy exchange of East and West styles

Born in Stockholm and raised in Cape Town, Summers studied conducting at the University of Cape Town, King's College London, and the Milan Conservatory.

He reflects with gratitude on the teachers who shaped him across continents. "My own journey underlines a basic truth: music is the world's international language — the most powerful and beautiful means of promoting peace and understanding," he says.

Appointed in 2007 as head of the faculty of orchestral conducting at the Venice Conservatory, Summers has since dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of musicians. With the launch of the Venice Philharmonic Academy, he hopes to inspire students from all cultures — not only to master the music they play but to understand the cultural stories it tells.

Now retired, he is devoted to building the academy and passing on everything he has learned from his teachers and his international career.

He is particularly eager to welcome young musicians from China. "What I found most striking," he says, "was how deeply Chinese musicians feel connected to both their cultural heritage and the wider global music community. For them, there's no contradiction — it's all part of the same journey."

Summers firmly believes that China's growing influence in classical music is already reshaping the global landscape. "China's contribution is undeniable," he says. "And in the years to come, I believe China will lead the way in transforming classical music for a new generation."