Carnivale degli Animale -- Villa Pallavicino

Last summer I had the great pleasure of learning about the Stresa Festival, and becoming acquainted with a couple of its organizers. I had heard of this yearly musical event, seen the posters around town, but until I met Filippo and Michela, who help to organize it, I was sadly ignorant of its scope and brilliance. Filippo first contacted me through Stresa Sights, I wrote a couple of guest posts for the then new Stresa Festival blog, and posted the schedule here for readers. I then met them in person at Santa Caterina, during the 2009 performance of the Bach solo concertos for Violincello. When I learned the history of the festival, saw the list and the caliber of the performers, and finally heard a performance for myself I knew that this was nothing ordinary... this is a world-class event of truly spectacular proportions, and I urge any of you who will be in Stresa during its 2010 season to make it a part of your vacation. I promise, I promise, you will not be disappointed.

Fisarmoniche in Liberta' -- Villa S. Remigio

The 2010 schedule has just been set. Certain performances, such as the Bach solo, are traditions that will continue this year. Others are new. Goran Bregovic and his Wedding and Funeral Band, soloists from the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra with Vladimir Askenazy are among the highlights of the 49th Edition of the Settimane Musicale di Stresa. Director of the event is Gianandrea Noseda. To start off the season, on 8 May, will be another standard, the Concerti di Primavera, performed at Villa Pallavicino in Stresa, featuring French accordionist Richard Galliano. In the spring weeks that follow, look for the performances by Astor Paizzolla, Chet Baker, and pianist and composer Phillip Glass.

Throughout the summer, and into September, the performances continue. What makes these so special, in addition to the caliber of the performers, is the variety and beauty of the venues for the performances.

Certainly we'll talk more of the Stresa Festival in these months. For now, I want you to have the information so that you can consider it in your planning. I am posting a link, in the right column of this blog, to the official site where tickets can be purchased. Please try to include this in your stay here... it is bound to become one of your most cherished memories, as it is for me.

Stresa Festival site. There are wonderful photos, videos, and links to whet your appetite... I hope these photos here are a good appetizer...

Armonie e Turcherie -- Isola Madre, Loggia del Cashmere