by InTrieste
On a warm summer evening, Wednesday, July 10 at 9:00 PM, the Arcobaleno Wind Orchestra will present a concert titled “Woman” at Porto San Rocco. Under the baton of Maestro Erik Žerjal, the ensemble aims to celebrate women through a diverse musical repertoire spanning different eras and cultures.
The concert, which is free to the public, promises a rich tapestry of compositions highlighting the female figure. Among the pieces is “Sally” by Vasco Rossi, a poignant tribute that captures the essence of womanhood. The evening will also feature iconic duets such as “The Prayer,” performed by Céline Dion and Andrea Bocelli, and compositions like “The Lady is a Tramp,” reflecting stories of unconventional women.
This marks the third edition of the concert series. The inaugural event, held on March 13, 2022, at the Luttazzi Hall in Magazzino 26, achieved a sold-out status. The second edition, on September 10, 2023, at the Muzio de’ Tommasini Public Garden, was equally well-received.
Leonardo Zannier will guide the audience through this musical journey, offering insights and narratives that connect the pieces to the overarching theme. Solo performances will feature vocalists Maddalena Murano, Francesca Marsi, Daniele Tripaldi, and Leonardo Zannier himself. Special attention will also be given to the Orchestra’s musicians, with Eleonora Bernucci playing the alto saxophone in “Cinema Paradiso.”
Supported by the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, the concert is part of the “I am Friuli Venezia Giulia” initiative. Local businesses, including “Piazzetta Bar” and the restaurant and pizzeria “La Cambusiera,” are thanked for their hospitality and support.
The concert adds to the Arcobaleno Wind Orchestra’s robust annual event schedule. Recently, the Orchestra, in collaboration with the Santa Croce Opera Academy, presented a 300-year musical journey titled “From Mozart to Morricone.” This program, featuring famous opera arias, operettas, and film scores, captivated audiences in Gorizia and Farra d’Isonzo in May and June, respectively.
June saw the Orchestra embark on two international tours. On June 15, they performed in Zagreb as part of the “Zagreb Wind and Brass Festival” with the Puhački orkestar ”Naša sloga” BABIĆI. Five days later, they played in Montiano’s Piazza Maggiore during the 19th Band Festival “Montiano Sarsina San Piero and Bagno di Romagna in Musica.”
July’s schedule includes performances on the 15th in Santa Croce for the 8th Fishermen’s Festival and on the 16th in Ronchi dei Legionari for the 25th edition of the “Summer Meetings in the Library.” For a complete list of events, visit the Orchestra’s website or follow them on Facebook.
The Arcobaleno Wind Orchestra
Founded in 1992 as the “Arcobaleno Band Ensemble,” the Arcobaleno Wind Orchestra established a Music School the following year to nurture new talent and refine the skills of its musicians. Over the years, many students have advanced to professional levels, performing both in Italy and internationally.
The Orchestra has a strong presence in its home region but also boasts an impressive international resume, with performances in Budapest, Split, and Schwarzedz, among others. Annually, they perform in Trieste’s main theaters and collaborate with city events, particularly during the festive and summer seasons.
One of the association’s principal founders, Franco Zupin, coordinated activities until his passing in January 2015. The Orchestra has been led by several distinguished conductors, with Maestro Erik Žerjal at the helm since 2010. In 2017, the ensemble celebrated its 25th anniversary by adopting its current name.
Maestro Erik Žerjal
Erik Žerjal, the Orchestra’s current director, graduated with highest honors in Trombone from the “Giuseppe Tartini” Conservatory of Trieste in 1999 and later from the Paris Superior Conservatory with a “premier Prix.” His early career included performances with the Italian Youth Orchestra of Fiesole and collaborations with prestigious orchestras in Rome, Trieste, San Remo, and Milan.
Žerjal has performed under the direction of renowned composer Maestro Jan van Der Roost and has been featured in numerous recordings for RAI Radio of Trieste. He co-founded the QuatTromboni group and has been a member of the FVG Brass quintet since 2016. Since 2010, he has been the driving force behind the Arcobaleno Wind Orchestra’s artistic direction, guiding it through significant milestones, including its recent 30th anniversary celebration.
