Harmony Under the Fortress: Manerba Music Festival Features Renowned Pianists
“Harmony Under the Fortress”, a music festival promoted by the Comune di Manerba and the Associazione Francesco Soldano, reaches its fourth edition this year.
From August 1st to 21st, eight concerts are scheduled featuring internationally renowned pianists, including the illustrious name of Aldo Ciccolini. This year as well, the series is under the artistic direction of Brescia-based Daniele Alberti.
Mayor’s comment and venue details
As highlighted by the mayor of Manerba, Isidoro Bertini, this is a prestigious lineup “capable of attracting both connoisseurs and the general public who enjoys spending their holidays immersed in the pleasures of music.”
The traditional venues for the festival — the Chiesa di S. Maria in Valtenesi, the Chiesa di S. Maria Assunta in Solarolo, and the Anfiteatro in Balbiana — are now complemented by the new Palazzetto dello Sport structure, which can host up to one thousand spectators.
Details on opening concerts and program
The inaugural concert, truly spectacular, will be held on Tuesday, August 1st, at the church of S. Maria Assunta. The Romanian orchestra Camerata di Iasi, directed by Ovidiu Balan, will be accompanied by four pianists: Frederick Aguessy, Michel Bourdoncle, Yves Henry, and Daniele Alberti.
The program includes Concertos for two to four harpsichords (or pianos) by Bach. Following this, a series of piano recitals will take place at S. Maria in Valtenesi (Pieve), performed by Norwegian Anne Kaasa (August 5; Grieg and Spanish composers), Czech Radoslav Kvapil (August 10; Chopin and Czech composers), and the aforementioned Aldo Ciccolini (August 12; Beethoven’s Sonata op. 110, works by Skrjabin and Castelnuovo-Tedesco).
On Monday, August 14th, at the anfiteatro in Balbiana, Daniele Alberti will present one of his acclaimed concert-readings, featuring a musical journey through Bach, Chopin, Debussy, and the Brescia-born Francesco Soldano.
An all-Chopin concert will take place on August 16th, featuring Polish Janusz Olejniczak, while on Sunday, August 20th, at the Assunta in Solarolo, the Camerata di Iasi will return, performing works by Mozart and Tchaikovsky, with clarinetist Darko Brlek.
Conclusion and schedule
The festival will conclude on August 21st at the new Palazzetto dello Sport, with pianists Kun-Woo Paik and Daniele Alberti, alongside the Camerata di Iasi (Bach). All concerts will start at 9:15 PM and are free to attend.