by InTrieste
As the autumn air settles over the Adriatic coast, the city of Trieste is gearing up for a celebration that blends music, history, and culture, bringing to life the story of a city at the crossroads of empires. The Società dei Concerti Trieste has unveiled its 2024-2025 concert season, which kicks off today with a special event at the Museo della Guerra per la Pace Diego De Henriquez. The concert marks the 70th anniversary of Trieste’s return to Italy, a pivotal moment in the city’s modern history.
This year’s program promises a series of seven performances that weave together musical excellence with historical storytelling. At the heart of the season is a focus on Trieste’s relationship with the Austro-Hungarian Empire, as well as a tribute to the city’s artistic and cultural connections. The concert series, part of a larger cultural initiative taking place at Trieste’s Civic Museums, will explore key moments in the city’s past while spotlighting the music of notable figures like Giulio Viozzi and Lelio Luttazzi.
Artistic Director Marco Seco describes the season as an “immersion” into Trieste’s history. “The protagonist of this season is the city itself,” Seco says. “Through a combination of art, history, and music, we will explore Trieste’s unique ties with Austria and beyond, offering audiences a rich, multisensory experience.”
The opening event on October 24 features a concert commemorating the 70th anniversary of Trieste’s return to Italy, with performances by Matteo Ferrari, Giampaolo Mrach, Kristina Mlinar, Diego Petrella, and Alessandro Pietro Dore. The event, staged at the Museo De Henriquez, includes a musical focus on composers Viozzi and Luttazzi, two of Trieste’s most influential 20th-century musicians. This concert will trace the turbulent yet vibrant post-war years through their music, with selections ranging from Viozzi’s classical compositions to Luttazzi’s popular tunes influenced by jazz and American culture.
For many, this anniversary is a deeply personal reminder of Trieste’s resilience. In 1954, after nearly a decade of post-World War II uncertainty, the city officially rejoined Italy, cementing its place in the nation’s fabric. Today’s concert not only celebrates this historical event but also evokes the complex cultural currents that flowed through Trieste during this time—a city under occupation, yet brimming with creative energy.
A Journey Through History and Music
The concert series will continue through the winter and spring, with additional performances scheduled at Trieste’s Museo Revoltella. The “Quadri in Musica” series, part of the broader Trieste Cycle, will highlight pivotal moments in the city’s history, accompanied by the art of painter Cesare dell’Acqua and historical commentary by experts like Antonio Trampus.
One such event, on November 14, will revisit Trieste’s dedication to Austria in 1382, marking the city’s centuries-long relationship with the empire. Set against the backdrop of dell’Acqua’s paintings, the concert will feature Renaissance music performed by an ensemble including Paola Erdas and Federico Rossignoli. Another event on January 23 will commemorate the Proclamation of the Free Port of Trieste in 1719, a moment that revolutionized the city’s role as a trading hub. These performances promise to connect audiences with Trieste’s past through both art and music, blending the two in an immersive way.
The series will culminate in spring with a focus on Venetian composer Antonio Vivaldi. Federico Maria Sardelli, a renowned musicologist and expert on Vivaldi, will guide audiences through the composer’s works on April 10 and April 24. On May 15, actress Elsa Fonda will close the season with a special performance linking Vivaldi with another of Venice’s legendary figures: the playwright Carlo Goldoni.
Bridging the Past and Present
For the Società dei Concerti Trieste, this season represents more than just performances—it’s a way of connecting the past with the present. By showcasing historical narratives alongside world-class music, the series offers audiences a chance to reflect on Trieste’s role as a cultural crossroads, where East meets West, and where the influences of empire, nationhood, and modernity converge.
Tickets for the 2024-2025 season are already on sale, available through Vivaticket and the Società dei Concerti’s headquarters in Trieste. Concertgoers will also have the opportunity to support the organization through Italy’s Art Bonus program, which offers tax incentives for donations supporting cultural activities.
As Trieste marks 70 years since its return to Italy, the city’s rich history and cultural vibrancy are more relevant than ever. Through the power of music, the Società dei Concerti Trieste aims to honor the city’s past while looking toward its future, ensuring that Trieste remains a beacon of artistic innovation in the years to come.
