The Illica Festival, musical event that pays tribute to the illustrious figure of opera librettist and cultured journalist Luigi Illica, returns again this year in the enchanting setting of the medieval village of Castell’Arquato. Concerts, shows and moments of in-depth analysis from 9 to 12 July for an intense week of events under the artistic direction of Jacopo Brusa.
FESTIVAL PROGRAMME
Guided Tour -Discovering the “world” of Luigi Illica
When: Wednesday, July 9, 6 p.m.
Where: Illica Museum, Via Sforza Caolzio
Opening of documentary exhibition on Illica and Smareglia
Free admission, reservation required
(Italian language only)
Madama Butterfly
When: Thursday, July 10, 9 p.m.
Where: Town Hall Square
Japanese tragedy in three acts to music by Giacomo Puccini and libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa
In concert form
Percorso poetico sensoriale (Poetic sensory journey)
When: Friday, July 11, 6 p.m.
Where: Town Hall Square, Tourist Office
Let’s explore Illica’s birthplace in search of the sights that inspired his operas.
(Italian language only)
Toscanini Academy – Ensemble sax
When: Friday, July 11, 9 p.m.
Where: Town Hall Square
With soloist Massimo Ferraguti
Free admission
Percorso poetico sensoriale (Poetic sensory journey)
When: Saturday, July 12, 5 p.m.
Where: Town Hall Square, Tourist Office
Let’s explore Illica’s native village in search of the sights that inspired his operas.
(Italian language only)
Ti presento l’Opera : Luigi Illica, Antonio Smareglia e Pittori Fiammighi
(Meet the Opera : Luigi Illica, Antonio Smareglia and Pittori Fiammighi)
When: Saturday, July 12, 7 p.m.
Where: Giardini Palazzo Gravaghi Vigevani(Steps from Via Sforza Caolzio to Piazza del Municipio)
Speakers:
Fabio Larovere – Journalist and music critic
Giovanni Vitali – Artistic Director of the Maggio Fiorentino.
(Italian Language only)
Award ceremony of the XXXIV Illica Prize
When: Saturday, July 12, 8:30 p.m.
Where: Town Hall Square
Pittori Fiamminghi(Flemish Painters)
When: Saturday, July 12, after the award ceremony
Where: Town Hall Square
Lyrical drama in three acts to music by Antonio Smareglia and libretto by Luigi Illica.
In concert form
