Harmonies of 'The Neapolitan 18th Century': A Musical Journey in Morocco

Saturday 16 December 2023 - 09:00

The Italian Embassy in Morocco, alongside the Italian Cultural Institute of Rabat and the Italian National Music Committee (CIDIM), is proud to present the debut of the concert "Il Settecento Napoletano" (The Neapolitan 18th Century) in Morocco. Hosted by the esteemed Santa Sofia Academy Chamber Orchestra, the performances are scheduled for December 16, 2023, in Fez, and December 17, 2023, in Ifrane.

Renowned for its artistic prowess both in Italy and internationally, the Santa Sofia Academy Chamber Orchestra has built a distinguished career accompanying soloists such as Uto Ughi, Anna Tifu, and Andrea Griminelli. Having graced three prestigious venues in Benevento, Naples, and Rome during its unique concert season in Italy, the orchestra continues to stand out through its high-quality recordings, now bringing its exceptional talents to Morocco.

According to Carmela Callea, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute of Rabat, the orchestra's inaugural performances in Morocco promise a novel musical experience for local enthusiasts. "This concert offers a unique opportunity to explore the delicacy of 18th-century Neapolitan works, transcending borders and weaving ties between cultures. We are honored to present this exceptional event and are confident it will leave a lasting mark on Morocco’s musical landscape.”

The luminous compositions of renowned 18th-century Italian maestros Francesco Durante, Nicola Porpora, and Giovanni Battista Pergolesi will come alive through extraordinary interpretations by two distinguished members of the Santa Sofia Academy Chamber Orchestra—cellist Danilo Squitieri and violinist Riccardo Zamuner.

Transporting audiences into the enchanting world of these musical masters across two magical evenings, the orchestra is set to perform on December 16 at the Fez Conference Palace and December 17 at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane.

Organized by figures and organizations dedicated to promoting Italian culture in Morocco, the concerts were coordinated by Italian Ambassador Armando Barucco, the Italian Cultural Institute of Rabat directed by Carmela Callea, the Italian National Music Committee represented by Vice-President Francescantonio Pollice, and Al Akhawayn University for the Ifrane performance.

The first concert on December 16 in Fez is produced in collaboration with the Honorary Consul of Italy in Fez, Abdel Karim Meliani, and with support from the Tenor Foundation for Culture and the Fez Spirit Foundation. The second concert on December 17 in Ifrane is organized in partnership with the prestigious Al Akhawayn University.