A musical evening marking the 800th anniversary of the “passing” of St Francis of Assisi, which aims to retrace the most significant moments of the saint’s life through appropriate melodies. This is the theme of “Make me an instrument of your peace”, a concert organised by the “G. Verdi” Philharmonic Orchestra, which will take place on Saturday 11 April (9:00 p.m., free admission) in the Church of St Francis (Piazza Ulivelli).
The initiative, organised in collaboration with the Parish of Santa Verdiana, the Music School and the Orpheus Association (under the patronage of Castelfiorentino Town Council), will feature performances by the “Squilli-Brass” Brass Ensemble and the “Turbo-Lenti”, the latter being students participating in projects jointly organised by the Philharmonic and the Music School.
The concert, conducted by Jasmine Conti, whilst drawing its title from St Francis of Assisi’s famous ‘Simple Prayer’ (a hymn to “Peace” that is more relevant than ever), is presented as a musical accompaniment to his earthly life, beginning with his youth spent as the scion of a wealthy family
“In preparing this concert”, notes Jasmine Conti – “we put together our programme by trying to follow the Saint’s life, starting from his youth as a nobleman who took part in wars right up to his final day. This led us to range across genres and periods, from the Baroque to pop and contemporary music. For example, the famous episode of the Wolf is evoked with the soundtrack from “Dances with Wolves”.
“Saturday’s concert”, emphasises the Councillor for Culture, Franco Spina, “marks the start of the programme of events to celebrate the 800th anniversary of St Francis’s visit, which will conclude in October. A saint loved by all for his dedication to a simple life, for his spiritual message, and for his extraordinary humanity. I would therefore like to thank the G. Verdi Philharmonic, together with the Music School, the Parish of Santa Verdiana and the musical groups who will be performing in the evocative Church of San Francesco on an evening open to all citizens”.
