Festival of Italian Creativity
“Va, pensiero” A Symphonic Jazz Exploration of Timeless Italian Arias
The Berklee Contemporary Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Julius P. Williams
Featuring Ron Carter, Joe Lovano, Ron Savage and Kenney Werner
Story and Photography by JD Cohen
In December 2023, the Consulate General of Italy in Boston proudly announced its triumph in the second edition of the Capitals of Italian Creativity in the World competition. This prestigious initiative, launched by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, aims to encourage Italy's network of embassies and consulates to design innovative projects that promote the nation’s diverse cultural and creative heritage. The accolade followed in the footsteps of the Consulate of Detroit and the Italian Cultural Institute of Melbourne, winners of the competition’s inaugural edition.
The 2024 Festival of Italian Creativity scheduled to take place from Thursday, November 14, to Friday, November 22, just before Thanksgiving, marking the start of the holiday season. This extended celebration showcases the vast spectrum of Italian creativity, spanning fields such as theater, cinema, music, literature, design, architecture, technology, life sciences, clean tech, robotics, advanced materials, space exploration, sports, and, of course, the culinary arts.
One of the festival's most anticipated events took place on its third day: a spectacular concert at Boston’s historic Jordan Hall. Recognized as the only conservatory building in the United States designated as a National Historic Landmark, Jordan Hall provided the perfect backdrop for this celebration of Italian artistry.
The concert was a stunning showcase of artistic collaboration, bringing together the Berklee Contemporary Symphony Orchestra (BCSO) and an extraordinary jazz quintet. This ensemble featured legendary bassist Ron Carter, saxophone virtuoso Joe Lovano, pianist Kenny Werner, drummer Ron Savage, and acclaimed Italian saxophonist Marco Pignataro. They were joined by the Reverence Gospel Choir, directed by Maestro Dennis Montgomery III, and soprano Dana Lynne Varga, whose contributions added an operatic brilliance to the evening.
Under the baton of conductor Julius Penson Williams, the performers presented a groundbreaking program that blended traditional Italian opera with contemporary jazz and gospel elements. The arrangements, composed by the talented Andre Sudol, offered fresh interpretations of timeless Italian arias, demonstrating how Italy’s rich musical heritage continues to inspire modern innovation.
The evening’s repertoire was a thoughtfully curated celebration of Italian opera, featuring some of the most beloved works in the classical canon. The program included:
Overture from La Forza del Destino – Giuseppe Verdi
Sinfonia from Anna di Resburgo – Carolina Uccelli
Vesti la giubba from Pagliacci – Ruggero Leoncavallo
O mio babbino caro from Gianni Schicchi – Giacomo Puccini
Overture from Guillaume Tell – Gioachino Rossini
Va, pensiero from Nabucco – Giuseppe Verdi
Nessun dorma from Turandot – Giacomo Puccini
Libiamo ne’ lieti calici from La Traviata – Giuseppe Verdi
These masterpieces were reimagined with bold arrangements that interwove the lush harmonies of a full orchestra with the dynamic rhythms of jazz and the soulful power of gospel. Highlights included an emotionally charged rendition of Nessun Dorma, where the sweeping orchestral sound merged seamlessly with the improvisational flair of the jazz quintet, and a joyous performance of Va, pensiero, elevated by the soaring vocals of the Reverence Gospel Choir.
Italy's reputation as a cradle of creativity is deeply rooted in its history, from the engineering marvels of the Roman Empire to the artistic and scientific breakthroughs of the Renaissance. The Renaissance, one of the most transformative periods in Western history, gave rise to polymaths like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, whose work continues to inspire the world. This profound cultural heritage remains a cornerstone of Italy’s global identity, influencing fields as diverse as music, architecture, and technological innovation.
The Festival of Italian Creativity and the concert at Jordan Hall reflect this enduring legacy while embracing the contemporary spirit of collaboration and reinvention. By juxtaposing traditional opera with modern musical genres, the event exemplified the duality of Italian creativity: reverence for the past paired with a relentless drive for innovation.
The Jordan Hall concert also highlighted the collaborative spirit that defines the Festival of Italian Creativity. The partnership between the Berklee Contemporary Symphony Orchestra and artists from diverse musical traditions underscored the universal appeal of Italian culture. The involvement of an international lineup of performers further emphasized the festival’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural exchange, aligning perfectly with Boston’s role as a global hub of education, art, and innovation.
For the audience, the evening was an unforgettable experience. The blending of classical and contemporary elements not only celebrated the richness of Italian heritage but also demonstrated how these traditions can evolve and resonate with new generations.
