by InTrieste
The town of Muggia may be small, but it boasts a rich history and a vibrant musical tradition that come to life each year with the return of “Muggia in Musica: Musical Journeys through Historical Sites.” This beloved chamber music festival is set to return for its 2024 edition, captivating audiences with four concerts held across Muggia’s historic churches from September 7th to 27th.
The event, now an annual tradition, offers a compelling mix of music and history, bringing together some of the region’s most promising young talents in an atmosphere that showcases the town’s unique cultural heritage. This year’s series features chamber groups performing in some of Muggia’s most storied landmarks, making the festival a hallmark of the region’s cultural calendar.
The 2024 edition kicks off on Saturday, September 7th at 5:00 PM, in the Church of Santa Barbara. The concert will feature the Stane Malič Male Vocal Group from Opicina, under the direction of David Žerjal. The group will perform a selection of Slovenian and Italian folk songs, drawing from a deep repertoire of traditional music. The program is part of the broader initiative “The Speaking Stones,” which combines guided tours of Muggia’s historic sites with live performances, blending the old and new in a celebration of the region’s past. Accompanying the vocal group will be a rising star in the world of classical guitar, Gabrijel Možina, who will perform selections from Brescianello, Tarrega, and Lauro.
On Friday, September 13th at 7:00 PM, the spotlight shifts to the accordion. Anamarija Lovrečić, a celebrated accordionist from the Italian community in Istria, will present an unusual but captivating program. Lovrečić, a graduate of the Conservatory of Santa Cecilia in Rome, will explore the dynamic potential of the accordion with 20th-century pieces that turn the instrument into a symphonic powerhouse, capable of evoking the grandeur of an entire orchestra.
Brass instruments take center stage on Friday, September 20th at 7:00 PM in the Church of San Francesco. The “Scintillating Brass” of Friuli Venezia Giulia will present a program showcasing their technical brilliance and the versatile, shimmering sounds of their instruments. The performance promises to be both introspective and exhilarating, offering a deep dive into the unique textures of brass chamber music.
The festival will conclude on Friday, September 27th at 8:30 PM with a performance by the acclaimed String Ensemble of Friuli and Veneto, set in the Church of San Rocco. The ensemble, which includes violins, viola, cello, and harpsichord, will be joined by natural horn player Andrea Sfetez for a program featuring works by Pachelbel, Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, and Boccherini. The concert will offer a masterful blend of baroque and classical repertoire, rounding off the festival with a fitting tribute to the music of the past.
“Muggia in Musica” is organized by the Muggesana Serenade Ensemble Association, led by Roberta Vlahov, and supported by the Municipality of Muggia and several local parishes. As part of the festival’s mission to foster regional talent and culture, the concerts are offered free of charge, ensuring accessibility to all.
