Last Friday evening, June 21, 2024, was memorable for the city of Aprilia, which hosted the XX edition of the “Summer Solstice” concert. Organized by the Liberi Cantores association on the occasion of the European Music Festival, the event also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the choir, founded and directed by maestro Rita Nuti.
A Suggestive Start with Morricone’s Notes
The concert took place by candlelight in the renovated Piazza delle Erbe, located behind the municipal building in Piazza Roma. The opening was entrusted to the splendid voice of soprano Mariangela Cafaro, who paid homage to the maestro Ennio Morricone with songs taken from “Once Upon a Time in America” and “Once Upon a Time in the West”. Accompanying her on the piano are maestro Rita Nuti and maestro Barbara Magnoni.
Inauguration of the “Vetrinarte” exhibition
The evening also saw the inauguration of the “Vetrinarte” exhibition by Cristiana Sadocco and the Jhana Marga association, further enriching the event with an artistic touch.
Thanks and Acknowledgments
The Liberi Cantores association expressed gratitude to the Municipality of Aprilia, the Pro Loco, the Ministry of Culture, the European Commission, the Department for Youth Policies and Universal Civil Service, and Feniarco for their support of the event, included in the 180 concerts throughout Italy for the European Music Festival.
Performances by local talents and beyond
The Liberi Cantores choir enchanted the audience with “Love’s Theme” from “Nuovo Cinema Paradiso” and “Gabriel’s Oboe” from Mission, accompanied by the voice of the soprano Cafaro and maestro Magnoni on the piano. The young Aprilian artist Marina Zeppilli conquered the audience with her interpretation of “Hallelujah” by Alicia Keys and subsequently accompanying the Pascoli choir and the female vocal ensemble “Sunrise”.
Exceptional Musical Performances
The Pascoli choir, directed by Maestro Rita Nuti, performed songs such as “La Bussola” by Maurizio Santoiemma, “L’clock scassato” by Paolo La Rosa and various African and spiritual songs. Mariapia Fenzi’s jazz performance captivated with Harry Warren’s “At Last” and George Gershwin’s “Summertime.”
The female ensemble “Sunrise”, directed by Marina Zeppilli, gave an impressive performance with songs such as “Royals” by Lorde, “Some Nights” by Fun, “Fear of the Dark” by Iron Maiden, and many others.
An Unforgettable Finale
The evening ended with some songs from the musical “Mamma Mia”, staged by the Pascoli Institute and its teachers at the Europa Theatre, closing on a high note an event that united music, art and community in an unforgettable experience.
