by InTrieste
For two decades, the “Bands in Celebration” festival has been a cornerstone of Trieste’s cultural life, bringing together renowned musical ensembles from across the globe. This year’s 20th edition promises to continue this tradition of musical excellence and community engagement.
On Monday, August 5, at 8:45 PM, the Arcobaleno Wind Orchestra will host a special performance at the Giardino Pubblico Muzio de’ Tommasini. They will be joined by the Corpo Musicale Olgiatese from Olgiate Comasco (Como), an ensemble with a storied history dating back to 1845. The concert, which is free to the public, will celebrate the enduring bonds formed through music.
The Arcobaleno Wind Orchestra, originally founded as the “Complesso bandistico Arcobaleno” in 1992, has become a vital part of Trieste’s cultural scene. The group established a Music School a year after its inception, aiming to nurture young talent and deepen community ties through music. Over the years, the orchestra has performed across Italy and internationally, from Budapest to Millstatt am-See.
This year’s festival will span several months, starting with the March performance by the Ann Arbor Pioneer Orchestra from Michigan. Following the August 5 concert, the festival will conclude in October with a showcase of youth wind orchestras. The expanded format reflects the orchestra’s commitment to engaging diverse musical talents and providing varied experiences for its audience.
The August 5 concert will feature the Arcobaleno Wind Orchestra and the Corpo Musicale Olgiatese, highlighting a longstanding relationship between the two ensembles. Their collaboration began in 2009 and has continued through mutual visits and joint performances, illustrating how music can forge lasting international friendships.
The Corpo Musicale Olgiatese, founded in 1875, experienced a hiatus during World War II but resumed activities post-conflict, expanding its scope to include both national and international exchanges. Notably, the ensemble has performed in cities across Europe and, recently, returned to the U.S. for the second time, this year visiting Mount Prospect near Chicago.
Maestro Erik Žerjal, who has directed the Arcobaleno Wind Orchestra since 2010, is known for his dynamic leadership and extensive experience in both classical and wind music. His tenure has seen the orchestra through significant milestones, including its 25th anniversary in 2017 and its 30th anniversary in 2022.
The August 5 performance will take place at the Giardino Pubblico Muzio de’ Tommasini, but in case of inclement weather, it will be relocated to the Sala Teatrale of the Parrocchia Madonna del Mare in Trieste. The event is organized in collaboration with the Casa del Cinema di Trieste and supported by ANBIMA FVG.
For those interested in learning more about the Arcobaleno Wind Orchestra and their upcoming events, information is available on their website and Facebook page.
