The 67th Annual Spoleto Festival of Two Worlds
The 67th edition of the Spoleto Festival of Two Worlds took place from June 28 to July 14 in Spoleto, Italy. This year’s festival focused on innovation and tradition, bringing artists together on a global scale. The central theme of the festival, myth, forced reflection on unresolved cultural questions and Western civilization.
The main operas featured at this event included Strauss’ “Ariadne auf Naxos” conducted by Iván Fischer, by the Budapest Festival Orchestra. Another featured opera was Gluck’s “Orpheus and Eurydice,” directed by Damiano Michieletto with the National Orchestra of Santa Cecilia.
There were also many notable musical performances at the event. Some of these performers include JACK Quartet, La Lira di Orfeo, Budapest Festival Orchestra musicians, and the Perugia Chamber Orchestra. Additionally, Barbara Hannigan led the National Orchestra of Santa Cecilia, and Alessandro Baricco’s “Breve and Heretical History of Classical Music” also made an appearance.
Some other musical highlights of the event include Lizz Wright’s African-American music performance, the Jazz Club at the Church of St. Agatha, and Daniel Lopatin (Oneohtrix Point Never) in electronic music.
A variety of special guests made appearances at the festival, most notably including Isabelle Adjani performing texts from French and Italian literature, Director Antonio Latella’s work with students on new shows, and Davide Enia’s portrayal of Palermo. #SIneNOmine company’s new show from the Spoleto House of Detention workshop was also announced this weekend.
Other artistic mediums featured at the festival include theater and dance, as well as visual arts and exhibitions. Dance performances by Friedemann Vogel, Wayne McGregor, Yoann Bourgeois with Hania Rani, Mehdi Kerkouche, and Dimitri Chamblas with Kim Gordon occurred throughout the festival. Leonardo Lidi’s “The Cherry Orchard” and Liv Ferracchiati’s “Death in Venice” were also featured. Luis Alberto Rodriguez’s photography exhibition reinterpreting historical Festival costumes was also featured alongside exhibitions at Palazzo Collicola featuring Chiara Camoni and collaborations with Mahler & LeWitt Studios.
Lastly, with respect to community engagement and education, Stefano Mancuso taught a master class that explored themes related to plant intelligence and the interconnections between plant life and human civilization. A new music education initiative aimed at elementary school children was also introduced, as a way to engage young students with the world of music through interactive and educational activities.
On Sunday, July 14, at the conclusion of the festival, a press conference took place at the Festival Garden. Speakers at this conference included Foundation President Festival dei Due Mondi Andrea Sisti, Artistic Director Monique Veaute, and Administrative Director and General Organization Paola Macchi.
Source(s):
– Sofie Lumaco
