Pietrasanta in Concert will be presented within the Cloister of Sant’ Agostino, filling the natural, outdoor stages with the color and vibrancy created by the strums, sounds, and strings of music. Until July 30, this international classic music festival will be directed by musician and orchestral conductor, Michael Guttman.
This edition’s theme, “The Year of the Violin,” will be reflected in this festival through a series of concerts, featuring the great figures in international classical music.
A variety of unprecedented, passion filled performances will take place, ranging from professionals, to gifted young individuals taking their primary steps onto these prestigious stages. Roby Lakatos will play a tribute to the director himself, Michael Guttman, at a free recital in the Rocca Garden (July 24).
Violinists, cellists, and pianist from countries such as China, Russia, and Argentina will make their appearance. Offering a rendition of the “Piazzolla, The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires” are the the Menuhin Academy Soloists, founded by the late Grammy Award winning violinist Menuhin, also known for being the first classical musician to be nominated by UNICEF as an Ambassador of Good Will. As the festival progresses, the presence of other immensely talented musicians, like Gilles Apap, Valeriy Sokoloc, and So-Ock Kim will interpret pieces.
There will also be the return of cherished artists, like Yuri Bashmet, who will be joined by the Moscow Soloists (July 25 and 29), and Russian pianist Boris Berezovsky (July 28). The festival will conclude with a joint performance of violinists Salvatore Accardo and Laura Gorna (July 30), a power couple, with Michael Guttman and the Italian Chamber Orchestra who will play along with them to create a multifaceted, impactful performance, truly showing the bonds those in the music industry share.
Next to the awaited performances, there will a number of master classes available to take. Ticket for the concerts, which range from €10- €45 can be purchased online, in person at outlets at the La Versiliana Theater, or before the concerts begin at the Cinema Comunale di Pietrasanta at 5 pm. There will be discounts for those resident in Pietrasanta, and for students of music schools. For more information, visit their website at www.pietrasantainconcert.com. (jennifer klammer)
