Romagna in Fiore – that is, the eight events in the form of concert-trekking organized by Ravenna Festival in some municipalities of Romagna (Faenza, Riolo Terme, Brisighella, Tredozio, Galeata, Ravenna, Conselice and Sarsina) in the places of the 2023 flood – is it was a resounding success. Missing an appointment, postponed due to the weather. But we can already say that. Wonderful outdoor public gatherings. Lots of music and social celebrations. Exciting moments to remember what happened in this land a year ago and which must never be forgotten. And also strong messages of rebirth and hope.
The festival within the festival – the Ravenna Festival which this year celebrates its 35th edition – has achieved an extraordinary result and has gone beyond all expectations. It is not so? The question is addressed to Franco Masotti, artistic director of the festival, passionate hiker and soul of Romagna in Fiore.
“Extraordinary you said it. I’m not saying that. But it’s true, she went beyond the most optimistic expectations. For us it was actually a gamble, for the formula, for the period, for everything. And we had an emotional and at times truly moving audience participation.”
In terms of attendance, what are the final numbers, taking into account that you will make up the concert on May 25th?
“We had around 32 thousand registrations. There are people who signed up and then couldn’t come and others who didn’t sign up but came at the last minute. So we can undoubtedly talk about around 30 thousand total attendances. We will have the appointment with Moder and the La Corelli string quartet in Galeata on June 30th, but he had already had his registrations. We will officially announce it tomorrow.”
Beyond the numbers, which are very important, there is the great value and meaning of these concerts. The memory of the flood, the theme of the environment and sustainability, the message of rebirth launched precisely in the places of the disaster. And the public understood.
“Well, yes, that’s the biggest and most important thing. As we said before, the formula was a gamble. There was the unknown of the weather since we are in May. In certain situations, people were called upon to do a few kilometers on foot or by bicycle on difficult terrain. But the response has been enormous. Even that of artists. The administrators of the municipalities involved then appreciated it a lot and thanked us. There were very high moments of truly intense emotion. I underline that it was important and necessary to do this thing one year after the flood, memory is fundamental. And I don’t think many things have been done on an artistic level, apart from some books and some exhibitions.”
It was also a discovery of new and evocative places.
“Certain. Many people from Ravenna had not been to certain places in our hills. Or they had never even seen the Torraccia, where we had Daniele Silvestri’s concert. The same goes for the people of Faenza, Forlì and Cesena. People came from Sardinia, from Catanzaro, from far away, to attend these concerts and discovered places they didn’t know. I’m sure they’ll come back.”
In short, have you also done territorial marketing!?
“Certain. This too is the function of music and culture: to enhance places and territories, which become places of the soul.”
At this point, after this brilliant result, are you thinking about an encore for next year?
“We talked about it among ourselves, also with Antonio De Rosa, the festival superintendent, and we all agree. We cannot avoid proposing this formula again next year. We have already received many invitations and requests from the municipalities, especially those on the hills. We will do it. But in the meantime let’s enjoy the 35th edition of the Ravenna Festival which has already come to life.”
