Emilio Berti and Lake Garda’s Mandolin Tradition: Adriana’s Memories

The musical heritage of Lake Garda lives through the memories of Emilio Berti (1908–1987), a beloved local barber in Via Santa Angela Merici and a passionate mandolinist whose family practiced the trade for generations.

Emilio Berti with his mandolin
Emilio Berti (1908–1987) with his mandolin.

In 1974, Adriana acquired a mandolin with Emilio’s guidance. He became her teacher, inspiring her to play and bring music back to life. For Adriana, learning the instrument was a deeply personal tribute—a way to honor the memory of her father, Guido Ferro.

Adriana’s mother, Angela Spedini, often recalled how Guido would sit with his mandolin after attending opera performances at the Teatro Grande in Brescia before his marriage, committing the sweeping melodies to memory. His absolute favorite was Umberto Giordano’s 1898 opera Fedora, which he regarded as the pinnacle of lyrical beauty.

Although the mandolin rested in its case for decades while Adriana attended to her career, retirement offered a joyous second act. In 1995, she joined close friends to form a musical trio: Adriana on mandolin, Umberto Ghizzi on banjo, and Nando Baruffa on guitar. Gathering every Wednesday afternoon, they performed in private homes and local venues, keeping the rich acoustic traditions of Lake Garda vibrant through shared song and camaraderie.

Read more from GN Magazine – August 2026

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