Italy featured at the 27th Festival International de Jazz de Montréal
Organizers
of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal and the
Montreal Musician and Musical Instrument Show (MMMIS) are welcoming
Italy as the “country of honor” for this summer’s event. From June 29th
to July 9th the Festival
will be focusing on the musical charms of Marches, Piemont, Umbria and
Tuscany, the four regions presented by SUONO ITALIA, in conjunction
with the Italian Trade Commission. Italy has historically been at the
forefront of the arts, science, design, cinema and fine cuisine, but music
has been a constant throughout and the inspiration for this special event.
Music in mind: The Cabaret shows begin from July 5th to 8th for the Suono Italia series, dedicated to Italian music and starring Italian musicians and the instruments they play. Whether the sounds are traditional, modern, piano or forte, the music represented during this series will display all the colors of the four participating regions.
- GRAFFIANDO VENTO (Gabriele Mirabassi and Guinga – in duo) An homage to Italy by South-American composer Guinga and clarinetist Gabriele Mirabassi, bursting with the melodic freshness and classical traditions of the Mediterranean. July 5th, 7 p.m.
- DANZA DI UNA NINFA (Enrico Pieranunzi and Ada Montellanico, with Paul McCandles) Part of the Invitation series. An homage to the late singer and songwriter Luigi Tenco, featuring some of his most daring works. July 8th, 7:30 p.m.
- DI MEZZO IL MARE (Egea Orchestra—original music by Germano Mazzocchetti) A veritable geographic guide to Italy, Mazzocchetti’s music was inspired by the history of the Italian peoples. July 8, 9:30.
- Also: Enrico Pieranunzi (Piano solo à Bon-Pasteur series). An “intimate” pianist who’s been compared to Bill Evans. July 5th at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Ambassadors of Italian musical instruments. Italy will be most conspicuously honored at the MMMIS. About 30 luthiers and other instrument manufacturers representing the finest in their industry well set up shop to demonstrate both ancient and modern instruments – at the complexe Desjardins and Foyer du Théâtre Jean-Duceppe. Come meet Carlo Vettori, Dario Vettori, Fabrizio Di Pietrantonio, Francesco Tarchi, Gabriele Natali, Luigi Ercoli, Marco Anedda, Michele Mecatti, Paolo Sorgentone, Paolo Vettori, Ada Quaranta (all violin makers); Borgani Prof. Orfeo SNC and Rampone e Cazzani (saxophone makers); Excelsior SRL, Mengascini Nello SRL, Museo Internazionale della Fisarmonica, Pigini SRL, SUONI Srl, Victoria Accordions Co SRL (accordions); The Soprano and UFIP Srl (percussion instruments); Fabio Ragghianti (guitars); Roberto Salvianti (double basses); Fratelli Patricola (clarinets) and Salvi Harps (harp maker). And you’ll be able to learn about other facets of Italian artistry, not just through the exhibition of so many unique musical instruments – at the Économusée du Violon de Jules Saint-Michel – but also through superb modern Italian ceramics created using uniquely Italian medieval pottery-making techniques, especially those of Umbria – in Hall des Pas perdus of Place des Arts. Workshops will be held by master musical-instrument craftsmen, and there’ll even be a silent auction for a magnificent Italian painting to be displayed, among other items.
Also on the Festival site: After dazzling us with their musical talents, the Italians will be tempting our tastebuds and sense of adventure, as well, at the Kiosque alimentaire et touristique Suono Italia. Located directly on the Festival site, there’ll be Italian comestibles to savor and beverages to taste. If you have a taste for adventure, too, you can even plan a trip to Italy there, choosing from among the thousands of exciting destinations available. That accomplished, stop by the Bistro SAQ for a taste of the finest wines from Italy, including magnificent vintages from Tuscany, Umbria, Marches and Piemont. You can even win a trip to Italy. Just pick up your “Friends of the Festival” card.
