UMBRIA JAZZ PERUGIA, FROM THE 9TH TO THE 18TH OF JULY

Since 1973 the Italian summer in Umbria goes with the rhythm of Umbria Jazz. This relatively small region, at the heart of Italy, is hosting one of the greatest Jazz events in Italy. 10 days of concerts; 9 different stages (including the ones at the main Arena, the theatres, squares and restaurants); more than 220 great music events, most of which free. During these days saxophones, trumpets, guitars spread their sounds along the streets of Perugia.

The eclectic line of Umbria Jazz Festival wants to tell the spectators at what extent music can be different and that all types of good music deserve attention. Following this motto, Umbria Jazz stages host the main Jazz players (Pat Metheny, Keith Jarrett, BB King … to mention a few of them), but also pop music groups famous all over the world, such as the REM that played last past years.

Mark Knopfler, Mario Biondi, the Incognito, Pat Metheny group, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller, Manhattan Transfer, Randy Crawford, Joe Sample, Tony Bennet and Sonny Rollins are just an example of the great artists that will make 2010’s edition as success full as the 37 previous ones.


more info at www.umbriajazz.com

The colors of Giotto, up to the 26th of September 2010 - Assisi

The Colors of Giotto - The Basilica of Assisi, between virtual restoration and restitution. This is an innovative exhibition, an art project of great stature, where the visitor is actively involved in restoration work and is enabled to know the works of Giotto, both physically and virtually.
In the Saint Nicola Chapel in the Lower Basilica are ongoing restoration works on the Franciscans frescoes of Giotto.
During these months visitors are given the chance to stand on scaffolding to admire the restoration works, so to know actively and timely the peculiarity of this art and the painstaking work of the restorers.
The Chapel of Saint Nicholas is presented and therefore designed as a "work in progress", an example of recovery "physical" work of art...
In perfect match to this instead, in the Palace of Monte Frumentario (not far from the Basilica), is a recovery "virtual" work of art.
Franciscan stories that are reconsidered and returned to the public through high definition technology.
The virtual frescoes can be compared with their current appearance, through a series of screens, touch screen placed at each group stage.
On the occasion of eighth centenary of Pope Innocent III, the exhibition proposes to scale the fresco dedicated to the Confirmation of the Rule of Saint Francis, just by Pope Innocent III.
Also a section for setting up and can get virtually in the fresco, where the 3D scene comes alive with the voices of the characters.
A wonderful progect designed and coordinated by the CNR, by Eva Pietroni and Francesco Antinucci.
Colors of Giotto is an initiative promoted by the city of Assisi with the collaboration of the Sacred Convent, the Ministry of Heritage and Culture through Regional Directorate, the Superintendence of Umbria competent Higher Institute for Conservation and Restoration, the Umbria Region and the National Research Council, with support from the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Perugia and organizational coordination of Civita. The catalog is published by Silvana Editoriale.

For information:
Basilica di San Francesco e Palazzo del Monte Frumentario

Gubbio - each 15th of May - Festival dei Ceri

It is not easy to "tell the story" of the Festival of the Ceri. It is one of the oldest, if not the oldest Italian folklore display. The festival has always played a fundamental role in the heart of the Eugubina community. An in-depth study of the festival's origins and numerous meanings is something that we are happy to leave to scholars. Its origins are obscure, it is enough to know that there are two basic hypotheses: one religious and one pagan.

The first, which is well-documented and set, out sees the festival as a solemn act of devotion on the part of the Eugubini towards their Bishop Ubaldo Baldassini which started in 1160, the year of his death. Since then, every 15th May, the eve of the day of mourning, the devotional offering to the patron Saint is a fixed appointment for the people of Gubbio who are said to have taken part in a great mystical procession, carrying candles all around the town and up Mount Ingino (where since 11th September 1194 the body of Saint Ubaldo lies, in the church which bears his name). Certainly, the Eugubini dearly loved their important townsman, especially from 1154 onwards, when Gubbio conquered no less than 11 allied cities. The victory seemed miraculous, and was also thanks to the intervention of Bishop Baldassini.

The wax candles, offered by the Arts and Crafts corporations, probably became difficult to transport with the passing of time, and towards the end of the 16th century were substituted by three wooden structures, which were agile and modern. They have been replaced a number of times. They have kept their original form up until today and on the same date; they follow the same route to the same place.

The second theory, which is more suspect and hypothetical, sees the festival as being a continuation of a pagan festival in honour of Ceres, goddess of the harvest, reaching us after having come through the glory of communes, renaissance power, papal domination and the battles of the Risorgimento.


more info @: http://www.ceri.it/ceri_eng/index.htm

video @: http://www.ceri.it/ceri_eng/video/index.htm

Steve McCurry exhibition in Perugia up to the 5th of September

Steve McCurry (born February 24, 1950) is an American photojournalist best known for his photograph, "Afghan Girl" that originally appeared in National Geographic magazine.

McCurry began studying film history cinematography and filmmaking at Penn State in 1968, but ended up getting a degree in theater arts and graduating cum laude in 1974. He became very interested in photography when he started taking pictures for the Penn State newspaper called The Daily Collegian.[1]
[edit] Career

His photojournalism career began with his coverage of the Soviet war in Afghanistan. McCurry disguised himself in native dress and hid his film by sewing it into his clothes. His images were among the first of the conflict and were widely published. His coverage won the Robert Capa Gold Medal for Best Photographic Reporting from Abroad.

McCurry continued to cover international conflicts, including the Iran-Iraq war, Beirut, Cambodia, the Philippines, the Gulf War, and Afghanistan. McCurry's work has been featured worldwide in magazines and he is a frequent contributor to National Geographic. He has been a member of Magnum Photos since 1986.
[edit] Recognition

McCurry's most recognized photo is that of "Afghan Girl", a previously unidentified Afghan refugee. The image itself was named as "the most recognized photograph" in the history of the National Geographic magazine and her face became famous as the cover photograph on the June 1985 issue. The photo has also been widely used on Amnesty International brochures, posters, and calendars. The identity of the "Afghan Girl" remained unknown for over 15 years until McCurry and a National Geographic team located the woman, Sharbat Gula, in 2002.

Although McCurry shoots both in digital and film, his admitted preference is for transparency film. Based in New York, McCurry offers weekend photography workshops, as well as extended 2-week digital photography workshops in Asia (currently scheduled in Nepal, India, and Burma.

Here in Perugia (palazzo nazionale) 240 shots and 6 tematics areas!


please have a look on this interview:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-W7TKxiJLQ

more info and booking at:
http://www.stevemccurryperugia.it/

Il Fontanaro joint VINNATURE ASSOCIATION

The association VinNatur reuintes winemakers and farmaker from around the world that intend to defend the integrity of their territory respecting the history, the culture and the arts that have been handed down over time taking inspiration from a strong ecological ethic.

Finally we joint the association and we've been at Villa La favorita for the Expo this last week end.
We're sure we will be again next year, hopefully with our friends!

Please se the istitutional video on:


http://www.wineindulgence.org/?p=511

For more info:
http://www.vinnatur.it/Produttore-148

1-9 August 2009 TUSCAN SUN FESTIVAL

Schedule of Festival to came soon...

FESTIVAL DEI DUE MONDI - SPOLETO - JUNE26/JULY12

Calendar displays all shows of Spoleto 52. For Exhibitions program, please browse related section of the website.

A.N.A.D = Accademia Nazionale d´Arte Drammatica Silvio D´Amico
A.P.R.T. = Accademia Perduta - Romagna Teatri


Friday 26 June
19:30 MUSIC Teatro Romano Opening Concert
21:30 OPERA Teatro Nuovo Gianni Schicchi

Saturday 27 June
12:00 EVENTS Limonaia Poli Meeting with Frédéric Mitterrand
17:00 IDEAS Sala Frau Readings - Benché il parlar sia indarno...
17:00 THEATRE Auditorium della Stella A.P.R.T. - Tom Thumb
18.00 OPERA Teatro Nuovo Gianni Schicchi
18:00 THEATRE San Simone Luca Ronconi: Un altro gabbiano
20:00 EVENTS Sala Frau Frédéric Mitterrand documentariste - Les Aigles foudroyés
20:30 THEATRE Caio Melisso Beckett-Wilson: Happy Days
22:00 THEATRE Chiostro San Nicolò The Kitchen Company: A little game without consequence

Sunday 28 June
17:00 IDEAS Sala Frau Readings - Benché il parlar sia indarno...
17:00 THEATRE Auditorium della Stella A.P.R.T. - Hänsel and Gretel
18.00 OPERA Teatro Nuovo Gianni Schicchi
18:00 THEATRE San Simone Luca Ronconi: Un altro gabbiano
18:00 THEATRE Teatrino delle 6 A.N.A.D. - A Midsummer Night's Dream
18:30 MUSIC San Gregorio A Church Concert
20:00 EVENTS Sala Frau Frédéric Mitterrand documentariste - Mémoires d'exil
20:30 THEATRE Caio Melisso Beckett-Wilson: Krapp's Last Tape
22:00 THEATRE Chiostro San Nicolò The Kitchen Company: A little game without consequence
22:00 THEATRE Teatrino delle 6 A.N.A.D. - A Midsummer Night's Dream

Monday 29 June
16:00 EVENTS Sala Frau Frédéric Mitterrand documentariste - La Délivrance de Tolstoï
18:00 THEATRE San Simone Luca Ronconi: Un altro gabbiano
18:00 THEATRE Teatrino delle 6 A.N.A.D. - A Midsummer Night's Dream
20:30 THEATRE Caio Melisso Beckett-Wilson: Krapp's Last Tape
22:00 THEATRE Chiostro San Nicolò The Kitchen Company: A little game without consequence
22:00 THEATRE Teatrino delle 6 A.N.A.D. - A Midsummer Night's Dream

Tuesday 30 June
12:00 MUSIC Caio Melisso Noontime Concerts
12:00 THEATRE Teatrino delle 6 A.N.A.D. - Meeting with Massimo Popolizio
21:00 THEATRE Teatrino delle 6 A.N.A.D. - Free Experiments #1
22:00 THEATRE Chiostro San Nicolò The Kitchen Company: A little game without consequence
22:30 MUSIC Piazza Duomo Tribute to Nat 'King' Cole

Wednesday 01 July
12:00 MUSIC Caio Melisso Noontime Concerts
19:00 THEATRE Auditorium della Stella A.P.R.T. - The Pied Piper of Hamelin
21:00 THEATRE Teatrino delle 6 A.N.A.D. - Tribute to Mario Ferrero
22:00 THEATRE Chiostro San Nicolò The Kitchen Company: A little game without consequence
22:30 MUSIC Piazza Duomo Tribute to Nat 'King' Cole

Thursday 02 July
12:00 MUSIC Caio Melisso Noontime Concerts
19:00 THEATRE Auditorium della Stella A.P.R.T. - The Pied Piper of Hamelin
20:00 THEATRE Caio Melisso Beckett-Wilson: Happy Days
22:00 THEATRE Chiostro San Nicolò The Kitchen Company: A little game without consequence
22:30 MUSIC Piazza Duomo Tribute to Nat 'King' Cole

Friday 03 July
12:00 MUSIC Caio Melisso Noontime Concerts
18:00 THEATRE Caio Melisso Beckett-Wilson: Happy Days
19:00 THEATRE Auditorium della Stella A.P.R.T. - Bandiera
20:00 OPERA San Nicolò Mozart
20:00 THEATRE Fonti Clitunno Out at Sea
22:00 BALLET Teatro Romano Choreographing Today
22:00 EVENTS Teatro Romano S.I.A.E. Award
22:00 THEATRE Chiostro San Nicolò The Kitchen Company: A little game without consequence
22:30 MUSIC Piazza Duomo Tribute to Nat 'King' Cole

Saturday 04 July
10:30 EVENTS Sala Frau Energeticamente - Sigma Tau Foundation
12:00 MUSIC Caio Melisso Noontime Concerts
12:00 THEATRE Teatrino delle 6 A.N.A.D. - Meeting with Michele Placido
15:00 OPERA San Nicolò Mozart
17:00 THEATRE Auditorium della Stella A.P.R.T. - The Pied Piper of Hamelin
17:00 THEATRE Caio Melisso Beckett-Wilson: Happy Days
18:00 THEATRE Teatrino delle 6 A.N.A.D. - Grand Hotel Schnitzler
19:00 BALLET Teatro Nuovo Pina Bausch - Bamboo Blues
20:00 IDEAS San Nicolò Signs of the Times
20:00 THEATRE Fonti Clitunno Out at Sea
21:00 THEATRE Teatrino delle 6 A.N.A.D. - Tiergartenstrasse 4
22:00 BALLET Teatro Romano Choreographing Today
22:00 THEATRE Chiostro San Nicolò The Kitchen Company: A little game without consequence
22:30 MUSIC Piazza Duomo Tribute to Nat 'King' Cole

Sunday 05 July
10:30 EVENTS Sala Frau Energeticamente - Sigma Tau Foundation
12:00 MUSIC Caio Melisso Noontime Concerts
12:00 THEATRE Teatrino delle 6 A.N.A.D. - Open Class Exercises
15:00 OPERA San Nicolò Mozart
16:00 BALLET Teatro Nuovo Pina Bausch - Bamboo Blues
17:00 THEATRE Auditorium della Stella A.P.R.T. - Bandiera
17:00 THEATRE Caio Melisso Beckett-Wilson: Happy Days
18:00 THEATRE Teatrino delle 6 A.N.A.D. - Tiergartenstrasse 4
20:00 IDEAS San Nicolò Signs of the Times
20:30 EVENTS Teatro Nuovo - Sala XVII Settembre Robin Heidi Kennedy
21:00 THEATRE Teatrino delle 6 A.N.A.D. - Grand Hotel Schnitzler
22:00 BALLET Teatro Romano Tribute to Jerome Robbins
22:00 THEATRE Chiostro San Nicolò The Kitchen Company: A little game without consequence
22:30 MUSIC Piazza Duomo Tribute to Nat 'King' Cole

Monday 06 July
12:00 MUSIC Caio Melisso Noontime Concerts
12:00 THEATRE Teatrino delle 6 A.N.A.D. - Meeting with Luigi Lo Cascio
20:00 BALLET Teatro Nuovo Pina Bausch - Bamboo Blues
21:00 THEATRE Teatrino delle 6 A.N.A.D. - Free Experiments #2
22:00 THEATRE Chiostro San Nicolò The Kitchen Company: A little game without consequence
22:30 MUSIC Piazza Duomo Tribute to Nat 'King' Cole

Tuesday 07 July
12:00 MUSIC Caio Melisso Noontime Concerts
18:00 MUSIC Duomo Les Trompettes des Plaisirs
20:00 THEATRE San Nicolò I prodotti
21:00 THEATRE Teatrino delle 6 A.N.A.D. - 4.48 Psychosis
22:00 THEATRE Chiostro San Nicolò The Kitchen Company: A little game without consequence
22:30 MUSIC Piazza Duomo Tribute to Nat 'King' Cole
22:30 THEATRE Teatrino delle 6 A.N.A.D. - 4.48 Psychosis

Wednesday 08 July
12:00 MUSIC Caio Melisso Noontime Concerts
17:30 EVENTS San Nicolò A matter of Identities
18:00 THEATRE San Nicolò I prodotti
19:00 THEATRE Auditorium della Stella A.P.R.T. - Tom Thumb
20:00 THEATRE Caio Melisso Appuntamento a Londra
21:00 THEATRE Teatrino delle 6 A.N.A.D. - 4.48 Psychosis
22:00 THEATRE Chiostro San Nicolò The Kitchen Company: A little game without consequence
22:30 MUSIC Piazza Duomo Tribute to Nat 'King' Cole
22:30 THEATRE Teatrino delle 6 A.N.A.D. - 4.48 Psychosis

Thursday 09 July
10:00 EVENTS San Nicolò A matter of Identities
12:00 MUSIC Caio Melisso Noontime Concerts
12:00 THEATRE Teatrino delle 6 A.N.A.D. - Open Class Studio
18:00 THEATRE Teatrino delle 6 A.N.A.D. - Meeting with Paolo Bonacelli
19:00 THEATRE Auditorium della Stella A.P.R.T. - Tom Thumb
20:00 THEATRE San Nicolò I prodotti
20:00 THEATRE Teatro Nuovo The Clouds
21:30 THEATRE Caio Melisso Appuntamento a Londra
22:00 THEATRE Chiostro San Nicolò The Kitchen Company: A little game without consequence
22:30 MUSIC Piazza Duomo Tribute to Nat 'King' Cole

Friday 10 July
12:00 MUSIC Caio Melisso Noontime Concerts
16:00 EVENTS Caio Melisso L'avocat de la terreur
17:00 IDEAS Sala Frau Readings - Benché il parlar sia indarno...
17:00 THEATRE Teatro Nuovo The Clouds
18:00 THEATRE Teatrino delle 6 A.N.A.D. - Reading Pinter
18:30 EVENTS Caio Melisso Meeting with Jacques Vergès
19:00 THEATRE Auditorium della Stella A.P.R.T. - Hänsel and Gretel
19:00 THEATRE San Nicolò Lady Mother, Dearest Father
21:00 MUSIC Piazza Duomo Apokàlypsis
22:00 MUSIC Teatro Romano CopyNight
22:00 THEATRE Chiostro San Nicolò The Kitchen Company: A little game without consequence

Saturday 11 July
10:30 EVENTS San Nicolò - Sala Convegni Energeticamente - Sigma Tau Foundation
12:00 MUSIC Caio Melisso Noontime Concerts
16:00 IDEAS Sala Frau Readings - Benché il parlar sia indarno...
16:00 THEATRE Teatro Nuovo The Clouds
17:00 THEATRE Auditorium della Stella A.P.R.T. - Hänsel and Gretel
17:00 THEATRE Caio Melisso Serial Plaideur
18:00 THEATRE Teatrino delle 6 A.N.A.D. - Meeting with Adriana Asti
18:30 EVENTS Sala Frau Le Chant des Mariées
19:00 THEATRE San Nicolò De Profundis
20:00 THEATRE Teatro Nuovo The Clouds
21:00 THEATRE Teatrino delle 6 A.N.A.D. - Free Experiments #3
22:00 MUSIC Teatro Romano Figaro the Barber
22:00 THEATRE Chiostro San Nicolò The Kitchen Company: A little game without consequence

Sunday 12 July
10:30 EVENTS San Nicolò - Sala Convegni Energeticamente - Sigma Tau Foundation
12:00 MUSIC Caio Melisso Noontime Concerts
16:00 THEATRE Teatro Nuovo The Clouds
17:00 THEATRE Auditorium della Stella A.P.R.T. - Hänsel and Gretel
17:00 THEATRE San Nicolò De Profundis
19:30 MUSIC Piazza Duomo Final Concert


http://www.festivaldispoleto.com

Umbria Jazz 09 - July 10 - 19

A great event in a small Region. The summer jazz Festival is back in Umbria with its old formula, meaning artistic quality that matches big numbers.

Umbria Jazz 09: 36 years of history
7 editions at Arena Santa Giuliana as main stage
10 days of concerts (10 – 19 July )
9 stages including the ones at the Arena, the theatres, squares and restaurants
220 events, free for the most part
550 performers
66 Grammy Awards on the main stage at the Arena


The eclectic line-up of Umbria Jazz Festival tells the spectators at what extent music can be different and the reasons why, if we talk about good music, it all deserves attention. Popular songwriters will be performing in Perugia ( Paolo Conte, Burt Bacharach, James Taylor) along with some extreme vanguards ( Cecil Taylor and George Lewis presenting the AACM project)and the sophisticated accredited pop authors (Steely Dan and Simply Red);the orthodox jazz with McCoy Tyner and Bill Frisell, the Roy Haynes Trio, Ahmad Jamal) ; the ever-green standards (three tributes to Nat King Cole: George Benson with a big string orchestra, the crooner Allan Harris, Freddy Cole, the great singer’s brother) and the Black music (BB King, Solomon Burke, Maceo Parker, John Scofield with the New Orleans project). It is worth mentioning the two encounters between the USA and Italy with Wynton Marsalis –Francesco Cafiso and the never seen before duo Chick Corea – Stefano Bollani. Charles Mingus music will be celebrated with the Mingus Dynasty and Quintorigo. Italian Jazz will be well represented, as usual with, among the others Enrico Rava, Paolo Fresu, Gianluca Petrella, Enrico Pieranunzi, Renato Sellani, Danilo Rea, Roberto Gatto and Gabriele Mirabassi, plus the curious “intrusion” of Gino Paoli who shares a good feeling with the jazz music.
All tickets available from May 14 onwards.

28 February 1 and 2 March - Arezzo Wine

Why visit this festival?
Arezzo Wine is a unique event in Italian territory, which suggests the wine: "Yesterday, today, tomorrow."

Admired private collections of the museum and inns Boccali wine. Visit the second edition of the Festival Marketplace vintage wines, with the possibility of buying and historical Scabia bottles.

Attend a forum conducted by professionals on trends and innovations in the field.

Tasting wine by the glass "Arezzo Wine" tribute to all visitors of the event and buy bottles of wine.

Attend a spectacular show that will frame inside the exhibition.

Spend an unforgettable weekend in the city of Arezzo between culture and enology view the combination of the prestigious Antique market in Arezzo.

For visitors from Arezzo Wine will be possible to reach the Old Town via a free shuttle service that will remain in operation for the duration of the event.

FROM THE 30TH OF DECEMBER - UMBRIA JAZZ WINTER - AND SPECIAL CONCERT BY JOAO GILBERTO - ORVIETO

UMBRIA JAZZ WINTER#16 will be held in Orvieto from the 30th of December, up to the 4th of January.

Don't miss the Joao Gilberto performance on the 2nd, 3th and 4th of January.
And also the Funk Off Street parade on the 30th of december.
From the others performances, I highlight:Martial Solal, Stefano
Bollani, Enrico Rava, Ernesto Jodos, (from Argentina), Gerald Clayton, (USA), Enrico Pieranunzi,
Renato Sellani, Danilo Rea, Cristiana Pegoraro, Joe Locke,
Lionel Loueke, (from Benin), Roberto Gatto, Paolo Fresu, Daniele Tittarelli e
Rosario Bonaccorso and many more.

For tickets and info:
www.umbriajazz.com

29Th December TRASIMENO BLUES CONCERT In Panicale

Don't miss on the 29th of December

________________________________________

TERRY MC CONNEL & GOSPEL QUINTET
________________________________________


ENTRANCE AT 21.30 (Ticket € 5,00)

Teatro Caporali PANICALE

INSPIRATIONAL GOSPEL SINGERS

Friday December 19th, 2008 in Piazza del Mercato, in the center of Siena starts the Monthly experimental organic market.

The Monthly experimental organic market is a market for organic farmers and sells mainly organic products. A good way to taste typical Italian food: seasonal fruits and vegetables, honey, wine, oil, pasta, bread, cereals, cheese and more.

Opening: from 8.30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Piazza del Mercato (Market Square) - Siena.

Free entrance.

For further information:
Municipality of Siena - Office for Trading on Public Areas
Ph.: +39 0577 292401

8TH OF DECEMBER TO THE 6TH OF JANUARY - UMBRIA GOSPEL FESTIVAL

FREE ENTRANCE

N'HARMONE' GOSPEL SINGERS

SAN GIUSEPPE'S CHURCH

PACIANO


DON'T MISS ALSO ON THE 29TH OF DECEMBER
PANICALE
ENTRANCE AT 21.30 (Ticket € 5,00)
Teatro Caporali
INSPIRATIONAL GOSPEL SINGERS

FOR ALL THE CONCERTS, PLEASE SEE: http://www.trasimenoblues.net/

First week of December - Paciano - extra virgin olive oil fest

The Olive Oil Festival will be held in the first week of december in the Paciano hinterland.
This year this festival is yet again promoted by Comune di Paciano.
Many olive oil producers of Paciano, will be involved in this event.

There is a rich program for these olive oil days, with tasting, events, concerts and so on.
You will have the chance to know everything about the oil process visiting the Oleificis with me, Alina Pinelli.

From November 8th until Sunday, November 16th -The Crete Senesi White Truffle Fair

San Giovanni d’Asso (Si) – Crete Senesi (various townships south of Siena in Tuscany but a part of the Province of Siena) is a crossroads of flavours and culture. The township of San Giovanni d’Asso, in the heart of Tuscany, invites visitors to discover this land full of history and wines and foods during the 23rd White Truffle Fair.

This happening is in the ambit of “Crete d’Autunno”, an Autumn event proposing a rich program calendar beginning the first weekend of November until December 8th, in the townships of Asciano, Buonconvento, Monteroni d'Arbia, Rapolano Terme and San Giovanni d'Asso.

The Crete Senesi White Truffle Fair will remain open to the public from Saturday, November 8th until Sunday, November 16th. The main event of the Fair will be, as usual, the “Truffle for Peace” Award Ceremony. This year’s award will be given to someone who has distinguished himself/herself in committing to the welcoming and acceptance of people. Every day, the white truffle (or white diamond as it is called here) will be the star of the market stands in the centre of the town. It will also be the desired object of a “guided search” (Saturday, November 8th) and a competition between truffle dogs (Saturday, November 15th) coordinated by the Associazione Tartufai Senesi.


A partnership with the Enoteca Italiana of Siena and the Vini Doc Orcia Consortium will guarantee the quality of the wines used. These two wine associations will have stands for the public for the entire duration of the Fair. This year’s edition will also have the traditional “Sapori Senesi” award for the best pecorino cheese from the territory (the morning of November 9th) and the journeys into the past on board the truffle steam train, departing on November 9th and 16th from Siena and Grosseto. Information of the 23rd White Truffle Fair is available on the website www.terresiena.it. This small capital city of the Siena white truffle will also be the stage for a special event. On Sunday November 9th, the Overland long vehicle will be arriving to the Fair. Overland is the expedition which has been travelling around the world since 1995. Following the arrival of these unique motorized means of transportation, a special event will be dedicated to Overland inside the 14th century Castle of San Giovanni d’Asso and all of the people, means of transportation and social initiatives of this very famous transcontinental expedition will be presented. The day of the 9th of November will conclude with a special award given to the charity activities of the “Overland for Smile” project.

EUROCHOCOLATE - PERUGIA - FROM THE 18th TO THE 26th OCTOBER

Eurochocolate will be Play Chocolate to celebrate game, joy and music, another sweet challenge to free our breeziest part and let our imagination find in the taste of the chocolate, the ludic dimension that belongs to everyone.

Chocolate makes us be back children and Eurochocolate is a great festivity, where everybody comes to know the God’s Food, to taste it in its innumerable, traditional or unusual varieties, to be involved and wrapped in a lively atmosphere that we can live in the historical city center.

The edition 2008 of the most famous chocolate exhibition, therefore, for its fifteen years of life is shown still more amusing and joyful than ever, with new playful and greedy products that will be presented on this occasion by Costruttori di Dolcezze, the new brand by Eurochocolate.

Many initiatives will animate Perugia from the 18th to 26th October and the innovations, still top secret, will be numerous. The irrenounceable appointments, like chocolate courses for children and adults, the international area of Eurochocolate World, dedicated to the cocoa Producers and the not to be missed Chocolate Show, animated by an endless variety of products made of cacao and chocolate will not lack!

Eurochocolate, for the fourth consecutive year, will be preceded, the 12th October, by the Chocoday, the day dedicated to the celebration of pure Chocolate for the defense and the promotion of high quality of the product, in the respect of the criteria of fairness and tenability of the productive row, created and promoted by Eurochocolate with the involvement of many subjects that operate in the world of chocolate.

SOPHIA LOREN AND ROBERT REDFORD AT THE TUSCAN SUN FESTIVAL -4/16 of AUGUST - CORTONA -

The Tuscan Sun Festival, has ben called “Ten Best Summer Arts Festivals in Europe” by The Independent newspaper in the UK, celebrates its fifth anniversary with its most spectacular artistic line-up to date.

Italy’s beloved Sophia Loren will officially open the Festival during a gala concert in honour of her late husband, legendary film producer Carlo Ponti, on August 4th.

The open-air symphonic concert will pay tribute to Ponti’s life and career and will be conducted by their son, Maestro Carlo Ponti Jr. This year’s festival will also feature performances by the Belcea Quartet, Joshua Bell, José Cura, Stéphane Denève, Elïna Garanča, Emmanuelle Haïm, Angelika Kirchschlager, Nina Kotova, Viktoria Mullova, Anna Netrebko, the Takács Quartet, Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Nikolaj Znaider.

Robert Redford will performe with a reading of Giacomo Leopardi's poetries.

In addition to its musical programme, the Tuscan Sun Festival will also be celebrating its fifth year with art exhibitions, lectures, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and wellness sessions, which will be taking place in lovely settings and venues inside the town of Cortona.

MORE INFO AT:
http://www.festivaldelsole.com/

ps don't miss:
COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS
A local chef will demonstrate how to prepare popular Tuscan dishes, such as Ribollita, Gnocchi and Tuscan meat sauce. The demonstration will be accompanied with copies of the recipes and a tasting sample of what is has been prepared. The cooking demonstrations will take place in the courtyard of Sant’Agostino Monastery.


WINE TASTINGS
In a series of tastings, the Wine Consortium of Cortona will showcase the very best wines of Tuscany, selected from the wide range of high quality wines produced in Val di Chiana. The Consortium, established in 2000, now comprises 19 wineries, 12 of whom will present their wines during the Festival:

Avignonesi
Baldetti Mario
La Braccesca
I.S.I.S. A. Vegni
La Calonica
Tenimenti L. d'Alessandro
Vitivinicola del Cavaliere
Giannoni Fabbri
Baracchi
Fabrizio Dionisio
Cantine Faralli
Querciagrossa

THE SAGRANTINO WINE FESTIVAL AT MONTEFALCO WILL START AT SEPTEMBER

Special guets of the event: the Sagrantino wine special 2004, that is considered one of the best wine in the world.

It will be held in Montefalco (Umbria) but also in Bevagna, Castel Ritaldi, Gualdo Cattaneo and Giano dell'Umbria, from the 20th al 23th of Spetember.

Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG or Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG wines are named after the Sagrantino grape from which they are made. Cultivated for centuries on the hills of Umbria, Sagrantino is considered autochthonous, although there are various theories as to its origin. Some believe it to have come from Spain, others say it was imported by the first Franciscan friars, and others still claim that it was brought into Italy by the Saracens. This DOCG makes a major contribution to the reputation the Region of Umbria has earned as producer of fine wines, known and consumed by popes and governors during the Renaissance. The production zone covers the entire territory of the Communes of Montefalco, Bevagna, Gualdo Cattaneo, Castel Ritaldi and Giano dell’Umbria, within the province of Perugia. The maximum grape yield must not be over 8,000 kg per hectare of specialized vineyard. The vinification and mandatory aging operations must be done within the communes included in the production zone.

Don't miss a visit to this cellar:
www.arnaldocaprai.it

To reach the place, please see:
http://www.stradadelsagrantino.it/canale.asp?id=1941

MEDIEVAL SOCCER MATCH IN FLORENCE - 24TH OF JUNE

In order to celebrate the city's patron saint John the Baptist,on June 24th of June in Florence, there will be a parade in historical costume from the Church of Santa Maria Novella up to the Church of Santa Croce, where the "Calcio Storico" is then played in the dirt-covered square in front of the church.
The match is a combination of soccer, rugby, and big time wrestling, all played while wearing 16th century costumes.


The teams are the four traditional neighborhoods of the city: Santa Croce (blue), Santo Spirito (white), Santa Maria Novella (red), and San Giovanni (green).
The prize is a whole Chianina calf.

Fabulous fireworks will be played 4 this occasion.

For more info, please contact me!

GIOSTRA DEL SARACINO - AREZZO - 15TH OF JUNE

Arezzo's Piazza Grande is the setting of the Giostra del Saracino, or Saracen Tournament.

Held twice a year, a night version on the third Saturday in June and the second on the first Sunday in September, this tournament has its origins in the early 16th century and in its present form, commemorates Christian efforts to hold back the tide of Islam in the 14th century.

There is a lively and colorful procession preceding the event in which eight costumed knights charge towards a wooden representation of the Saracen, aiming to hit the Saracen's shield with lances.

The target is mounted as to swivel around and can actually hit back! Each pair of knights represents one of Arezzo's four rival districts and their supporters each occupy a side of the piazza. The winner receives a golden lance.

4 more info please contact me!

QUINTANA HISTORICAL MATCH - FOLIGNO THE 14TH OF JUNE

Foligno, the city that calls itself lu centru de lu munnu, the “centre of the world”, is indeed best known for its Quintana joust in June and September, during which knights from its ten districts compete for the coveted Palio. Each rider must charge his horse and attempt to send his lance through the progressively smaller rings that are attached to the “Quintana” wooden statue.

But the Quintana is more than just a joust, it is a colourful event that involves all of Foligno’s inhabitants and a celebration of the history, customs and even food of the lavish baroque era when the town was at the peak of its wealth. Throughout the event the city’s museums, magnificent palazzi and churches will be open to the public.

Programme:
Monday June 2nd, 8.30pm: Great Banquet in the courtyard of Palazzo Trinci
Friday June 13th, 9pm: procession in period costume
Saturday June 14th, 9pm: Joust at the “Campo de li Giochi”

http://www.quintana.it.

GRAMMY'S WINNER HARBIE HANCOCK, ALICIA KEYS, CHAKA KAHN, CAETANO VELOSO AND MANY OTHERS AT THE UMBRIA JAZZ FESTIVAL IN PERUGIA FROM THE 11ST OF JULY

This 35th Umbria jazz festival edition will be really reach. From the 11st of July to the 22nd of July, 200 events will be held in Perugia. Here some of the top concert suggestions: The italian best jazz singer, Mario Biondi with the Duke orchestra will open the festival on the 11st of July. Alicia Keys - will performe on the 19th of july. Pat Metheny will duets with Gary Burton on the 17th of July. Sonny Rollins the 13th of July. Herbie Hancock will performe on the 16th of July with a tribute to Joni M. REM will performe the festival's last day. Form more information contact me!!!! tks a

TRASIMENO MUSIC FESTIVAL - AT THE AND OF JULY

The festival will be held from June 28 to July 4, 2008, is visible on the programme page of the website:

http://www.trasimenomusicfestival.com/index.php


Don't miss Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue (arranged by Henry Levine), the 28th of July, 9.15 pm.

Opera, Padmâvatî arrives from India at the SPOLETO FESTIVAL - (27th of june up to the 13th of july)

Thanks to a collaboration with the 51st Festival of the Two Worlds of Spoleto, Padmâvatî, a masterpiece of French orientalism, returns to Italy, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

It had been on stage in Naples at the beginning of the 50s, directed by Andre Cluytens, and in Florence at the beginning of the 70s, directed by Georges Prêtre.Presented after a long staging preparation in Paris in 1923, the opera was inspired by the author’s journeys to the East and it elaborates manners, elements and structures of Oriental music in a Neoclassical style, finding an important place within the Oriental world that strongly influenced French culture in the most original of ways. In this opera-ballet, reinventing Lully’s genre, Roussel merged music, theatre, and dance elements indissolubly.

The libretto was written by Orientalist Louis Laloy and is based on the ancient chronicles of India.

4 MORE INFORMATION ON THE SPOLETO'S FESTIVAL DEI DUE MONDI:

http://www.festivaldispoleto.com/interno.asp?id=7&lang=eng

Flower Film Festival 2008 - Spello 4th, 5th e 6th of July

International film festival dedicated to the world of green, flower and enviroment.

The village will appear like a flowers factory. With workshop, events, arts performances, film contests, live music....

4 all details, will be there soon on line their web site:

www.flowerfilmfestival.it.

SIENA'S PALIO HORSE RACE

"Piazza del Campo" is still used today for the well known Palio horse race which is one of the most famous popular Italian manifestations. It takes place every year on July 2 and August 16. The Palio is run to celebrate the miraculous apparition of the Virgin Mary near the old houses that belonged to Provenzano Salvani. The holy apparition was therefore called "Madonna di Provenzano" in whose honour the very first Palio was run on August 16, 1656. The Palio was run for the first time in 1701 in honour of the "Madonna dell'Assunta" the patroness and Advocate of Siena through all the tragic events since she protected the Sienese militia at the famous battle of Monteaperti on September 4, 1260, against the Florentines.

The Palio is a historical secular tradition strictly connected with the origin of the Contradas of Siena (districts into which the town is divided). The Contradas are spectacular agonistic institutions each having their own government, oratory, coat of arms, appellations, sometimes titles of nobility, emblems and colours, official representatives, festivities, patron Saints, with protectors, delimited territories and population which consist of all those people who were born or live within the topographic limits of the district, according to the proclamation issued by Violante Beatrice of Bavaria on January 7, 1730, at that time, Governess of the town.

Originally, there were about fifty-nine "Contrade"; now only seventeen remain, ten of which take part in the historical pageant and in the race at each Palio (seven by right and three drawn by lots).
Here is a list of their names, emblems and colours grouped into "Terzi" or "Terzieri" (in olden times the town was divided into three sections called: "Terziere di Città", "Terziere di San Martino" and "Terziere di Camollia").
4 more info's please contact me!

IL PINTORICCHIO- ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ARTIST OF THE ITALIAN RENAISSANCE - UP TO THE 28TH OF JUNE

The Pintoricchio exhibition is part of a grand project to maximise appreciation of the rich cultural and artistic heritage in Umbria; this event has been planned to celebrate the 550th anniversary of the birth of Pintoricchio one of the most fascinating protagonists of the Italian Renaissance and a symbol of the city of Perugia.

Following the success of the Perugino exhibition in 2004, this new exhibition represents a continuation of the initiative to promote the works of the great Umbrian artists and to draw attention – both of the public and national and international critics - to the stunning artistic and cultural heritage of the region and its extraordinary diffusion across the territory.

The exhibition will be held in Perugia at the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria, which has recently completed work to recuperate and enlarge its exhibition spaces. There will also be a second section in Spello, in the Collegiata di Santa Maria Maggiore. The Capella Baglioni, better known as the Capella Bella, is the location of one of Pintoricchio’s most impressive masterpieces.

The opening of the exhibition will also see the inauguration of a specially designed illumination system to optimise the vision of this prestigious cycle of frescoes. In addition to this, a temporary educational display has been installed to provide visitors with detailed information about the historical, artistic and iconographic aspects of the paintings and their location. In the nearby Pinacoteca Civica, there will be a small exhibition on “Pintoricchio e le arti minori”. This ambitious artistic event will be further enriched by regional routes and itineraries that will lead visitors on a voyage of discovery across the territory, where they will be able to admire numerous works by Pintoricchio and other extraordinary pieces from the Renaissance period, in their original surroundings.

OPENING HOURS AND PRICE
Information and Bookings
199 199 111 servizi@civita.it Civita Servizi
199.151.123 infoline@sistemamuseo.it Sistema Museo

Perugia Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria at Palazzo dei Priori
Corso Vannucci, 19

Daily Opening hours
31st March – 29th June 2008 from 9.30 to 20.00
(The ticket office will close one hour prior to closing time)

http://www.mostrapintoricchio.it/ENG/pintoricchio/pintoricchio.htm

MORE MUSIC IN SUMMER WITH....TRASIMENO BLUES (28TH OF JULY- 2ND OF AUGUST)

TRASIMENO BLUS, A FESTIVAL FOR MUSIC LOVERS.

From the 28th of July to the 2nd of August.

I'm in contact with the organization, so we can see in advance the artists that will sing at the Festival.

It's sounds ...good!!!

ciao

alina

ANTIQUE FAIR IN AREZZO - DON'T MISS

ANTIQUE FAIR WITH OVER 500 EXHIBITORS AND ANTIQUE DEALERS ON THE FIRST WEEKEND OF EACH MONTH, MAKING THIS THE LARGER MARKET IN ITALY.

I'LL BE THER THE FIRST WEEK OF JUNE!!!

http://www.arezzofieraantiquaria.com/web/index.php

umbria jazz -4 the best summer in Umbria- Perugia city -July 6 -15

MUSIC:
if you like music this is the best festival we have
Perugia - July 6 -15 - Umbria Jazz Festival: the Umbria Jazz Festival 2007 is, without any doubt, one of the most important event dedicated to jazz in Europe. Since 1973, when was inaugurated the first edition of the Festival Umbria Jazz, the biggest jazz artists have come to Perugia. For more information: http://www.umbriajazz.com



I'm sure..I'll be there...

ciao


alina