by InTrieste
This weekend, the charming seaside town of Muggia will be transported back to the 17th and 18th centuries, enveloped in the enchanting strains of Baroque music and the elegance of period costumes. The third edition of the “Baroque Festival,” a celebration of music, history, and culture, concludes tomorrow, Sunday, June 23.
Organized by the Serenade Ensemble Musical Association, the festival is supported by the Municipality of Muggia, with collaboration from the Parish of Saints John and Paul, and the City of Muggia Wind Orchestra “Friends of Music.” The event also benefits from the sponsorship of the National Association Venezia Giulia and Dalmatia (A.N.V.G.D.) of Trieste.
A Renaissance of Baroque Culture
For three days, Muggia has become a cradle of Baroque culture, aiming to rediscover and celebrate the traditions of the 17th and 18th centuries. The festival’s diverse offerings include concerts, workshops, choral performances, and historical dance demonstrations. Participants and spectators alike are treated to an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era, characterized by relaxation and refined taste.
Events in Sacred and Public Spaces
The festival’s events are spread across various sacred locations in Muggia, including the Basilica of Old Muggia, the Chapel of the Crucifix, and the Cathedral, as well as public spaces like Piazza Marconi. These venues will host a rich program of artistic expressions, supported by both professional musicians and passionate amateurs.
Today’s program, Saturday, June 22, features presentations on historical instrument construction and ancient varnishes by Engineer Federico Xiccato and Dr. Raffaela Rimaboschi, respectively, at the Chapel of San Francesco. In the evening, the Collegium Musicum Fluminense ensemble from Fiume, directed by David Stefanutti, will perform at the Cathedral. This concert will include works by Bach, Corrette, Vivaldi, and Graupner, with a special introduction by the Scherzi Armonici Choir.
A Grand Finale on Sunday
The festival concludes on Sunday, June 23, with a series of captivating events. The day begins with a “Baroque Musical Workshop” open to the public at 11:00 AM at the Chapel of the Crucifix. At 12:15 PM, following a Mass celebrating the Patron Saints, the Cathedral will host a performance by participants of the ancient music workshop led by Professor Manuel Staropoli.
The highlight of the festival, “The Square and the Church,” takes place at 8:00 PM in Piazza Marconi. This event features historical dances from the Istrian-Venetian tradition, preceded by a parade in period costumes. The evening’s participants include the ancient brass section of the City of Muggia Wind Orchestra, and various traditional dance groups from the region.
The festival will close with a Master Concert at 9:00 PM in the Cathedral, featuring Manuel Staropoli and the Choir of Pirano, directed by Barbara Barač. The choir will present three Sacred Songs by Tartini, with contributions from Anna Bodi and Matjaž Zobec.
A Growing Tradition
Roberta Vlahov, President of the Serenade Ensemble Musical Association, expressed pride in the festival’s growth. “The Baroque Festival is a constantly evolving event that aims to make Muggia a reference point for the region’s traditions, including those of Istria and Dalmatia,” Vlahov said. “Step by step, we are succeeding, thanks to the support of institutions and the sharing of voices, stories, and culture.”
Artistic Director Andrea Sfetez highlighted the festival’s extensive program and new interactive elements. “This year’s program is particularly dense with events, including informative presentations and the new Baroque Musical Workshop, creating a ‘musical salon’ where anyone can perform Baroque music,” Sfetez said.
Free and Open to the Public
All concerts are free to the public. In case of inclement weather, performances will be held in the churches, and Sunday’s 8:00 PM event will be relocated under the Loggia of the Municipality of Muggia.
Festival Program
- Friday, June 21 at 9:00 PM: “Welcome Summer ‘Music Day’” at Old Muggia Church, featuring students from the “G. Tartini” Conservatory of Trieste.
- Saturday, June 22:
- 11:00 AM: “Baroque Musical Workshop” at the Chapel of the Crucifix.
- 5:30 PM: Presentations at the Chapel of San Francesco by Federico Xiccato and Raffaela Rimaboschi.
- 9:00 PM: Concert at the Cathedral by Collegium Musicum Fluminense and Scherzi Armonici Choir.
- Sunday, June 23:
- 11:00 AM: “Baroque Musical Workshop” at the Chapel of the Crucifix.
- 12:15 PM: Post-Mass concert at the Cathedral by workshop participants.
- 8:00 PM: Festival and parade in period costumes in Piazza Marconi.
- 9:00 PM: Master concert at the Cathedral by Manuel Staropoli and the Choir of Pirano.
