Arilicense Band Gains Finland Spotlight in Helsinki and Kuopio

The name of the town and Lake Garda are now familiar even in Finland, thanks to the tour of the Arilicense band ensemble, which has garnered not only applause but also the front page of the entertainment section of the Kuopio daily newspaper “Savon Sanomat.”

“We didn’t expect it,” recounts Emiliano Gusperti, the group’s conductor, who was captured in action in one of the two photographs published alongside the article.

“We were aware of the strong tradition of hospitality and the respect and appreciation that this people have towards music and art in general, but the experience we lived through exceeded all expectations; and the space dedicated to us by the local press is an example of it.”

Praise and Opportunities in Finland

Gusperti shares details about the attention and hospitality from the families who hosted the musicians and their chaperones; about the possibility to hold concerts in prestigious venues and structures, which here would be reserved only for big names.

“In fact, we performed not only in the squares of the capital Helsinki and Kuopio,” emphasizes the conductor, “but also at the Music Centre in the latter city, one of Finland’s largest venues designed for concerts.”

And clearly, the performances of the town band were greatly appreciated, to the point of earning an unexpected front page.

“It was a genuine, and very pleasant, surprise: it’s rare, at least in our country, for so much prominence to be given to performances by a band group, even when it comes from abroad.”

Feedback and Return to Italy

“This episode made everyone very happy: the young people, and along with them the teachers,” says Gusperti, “who play in our ensemble received a significant reward for their efforts during months of activity that isn’t always recognized with the same consideration.”

The return to Italy was thus accompanied by copies of “Savon Sanomat” destined for institutions and companies supporting the Peschiera Band, which is preparing for the new academic year: its courses will officially start next October 2 (for information, call 045 – 6447123 or 0328 – 8171382), thanks to the temporary headquarters used while awaiting the completion of work at the Cacciatori Barracks.

Giuditta Bolognesi