by InTrieste
On January 5, the “Città di Muggia” Wind Orchestra will kick off the new year with its annual Epiphany concert, held at Teatro Verdi at 5:30 p.m. This year’s performance, titled “Back from the Future: A Space-Era Epiphany,” blends classical and modern music, including works by Pink Floyd, Queen, Europe, Edward Elgar, Aram Khachaturian, and Jan Van der Roost.
Under the baton of conductor Andrea Sfetez, the orchestra’s program is intended to set a festive tone for 2025 while celebrating the ensemble’s 20th anniversary. The concert will include collaborations with the “Luigi Mauro” and Serenade Ensemble music schools, as well as a local rock group.
A Musical Journey Across Genres
The event will feature over 50 orchestra members, along with students and young musicians. Highlights include renditions of Pink Floyd’s Atom Heart Mother, Queen’s We Are the Champions, and Europe’s The Final Countdown. Younger performers will join in a choral arrangement of Another Brick in the Wall. The orchestra will also present solo pieces, including Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1, Khachaturian’s Masquerade Waltz, and Van der Roost’s Arsenal March, a piece from the orchestra’s debut performance two decades ago.
The concert will culminate in two surprise encore pieces, which remain under wraps.
A Platform for Emerging Talent
“For this occasion, we’re showcasing a broad range of talent,” said Sfetez. “From young beginners to seasoned musicians, the program reflects a trajectory of musical evolution. The repertoire spans traditional band marches to more contemporary pieces, creating a bridge between the past and the future.”
In collaboration with instructors at the “Luigi Mauro” Music School, the concert aims to provide students with a platform to perform alongside professionals. Many of the younger participants will be making their stage debut during this event.
Honoring Tradition and Innovation
This year’s concert is dedicated to the memory of Adelio Sfetez, founder of the former “Amici della Musica” band, which evolved into the Città di Muggia Wind Orchestra. A prominent figure in Muggia’s cultural life, Sfetez’s legacy continues to inspire the ensemble’s programming.
Ferdinando Parlato, president of the orchestra, emphasized the balance of tradition and innovation in this year’s concert. “By involving students from local music schools, we aim to engage younger audiences while maintaining the classical roots of our performances,” he said. “This year’s theme combines timeless concert music with iconic contemporary works that resonate with today’s listeners.”
Event Details
- Date: Sunday, January 5, 2025
- Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Location: Teatro Verdi, Muggia
- Admission: Free
- Organized by: Comune di Muggia, Department of Culture
The concert, supported by the Municipality of Muggia’s Department of Culture, is free to the public. Curtain rises at 5:30 p.m.