Ravenna Bella: A Summer of Evening Entertainment
Ravenna’s vibrant summer season is illuminated by “Ravenna Bella,” a series of captivating evening events running until August 15th. These performances, commencing at 9:15 PM, are freely accessible to the public – no reservations required – and take place in two of the city’s most picturesque locations: Piazza San Francesco and the adjacent Franciscan cloisters. Cultural tourism in Italy saw a 15% increase in attendance during the summer months of 2023, demonstrating a growing appetite for these types of events. [[1]]
July Highlights: A Diverse Program of Arts and Music
The festivities kicked off on thursday, July 10th, in Piazza San Francesco with a special preview of the La Milanesiana Festival.This unique event featured a compelling dialog and reading session with Ermal Meta and Alessandro Gnocchi, drawing inspiration from the book Le winter camelias. The evening continued with an energetic concert by Mirco Mariani and the Extralisms, alongside Mirko Casadei and the marsha of Novi, blending traditional sounds with innovative musical experimentation. This fusion of styles mirrors the broader trend of cross-genre collaborations gaining popularity in contemporary music.
Sunday, July 13th brought a nostalgic journey to Paris with the Academy of Melo Silvestre APS Association’s presentation of “Sous Le Ciel de Paris.” This tribute to the iconic Edith Piaf, powerfully portrayed by actress Marina Benedetto and accompanied by the La Belle Histoire group, offered a deeply moving exploration of the singer’s life and legacy. Similar biographical performances, like the recent success of the Tina musical, highlight the enduring appeal of celebrating musical icons.The following evening, Monday, July 14th, showcased the talent of the next generation with a concert by the representative youth band of ANBIMA. Curated by the La Corelli Soc. Coop.va association, this performance provided a platform for emerging musicians to share their artistry. Investing in youth arts programs is crucial; studies show that participation in the arts improves academic performance and fosters creativity. [[2]]
Swing, Cinema, and Continued Celebrations
Wednesday, July 16th, as part of the “Stars of Galla Placidia” series, “Tutto Swing” took center stage with a performance by the 3Monti Band.Curated by Ensemble Mariani,the evening transported audiences back in time with a sparkling,retro atmosphere and a repertoire spanning the golden ages of swing – the 1930s and 1960s. The band’s innovative arrangements breathed new life into both international classics and beloved Italian songs. The revival of swing music reflects a broader cultural trend towards vintage aesthetics and experiences.
Concluding the initial week of events, Thursday, July 17th, offered a unique cinematic experience. The La Corelli Association presented a screening of two silent films – Sherlock Junior and One Week – accompanied by a live musical score. This pairing of visual and auditory artistry created a captivating and immersive experience.
“Ravenna Bella” is a proud initiative of the Tourism Service, supported by the Emilia-Romagna Region and in collaboration with Spasso in Ravenna.For further data, including event details and potential reservation requirements, please visit www.turismo.ra.it and www.visitravenna.it.
Worth a look