Taking Music to the Mountains – Trentino’s unique music festival

Taking Music to the Mountains is a festival of 24 concerts in magnificent natural settings which takes place between July 7 – August 31, 2017.

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Each summer, the Sounds of the Dolomites music festival is held in the beautiful Trentino Dolomites, and features a musical programme that is both eclectic and wide-ranging. This year, the 12 Cellists of the Berliner Philharmoniker, singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti, and jazz legend Chick Corea are all on the menu.

Now in its 23rd edition, the Sounds of the Dolomites festival offers both musicians and audiences an intriguing proposition. How would their music sound if it were played outdoors, in one of the world’s most famous mountain landscapes?

Each summer, in July and August, they come to the Trentino Dolomites to find out: and discover a unique and unforgettable event.

Almost every concert begins with a walk
The key to the festival’s success is its willingness to seek out the most stunning venues. The concerts are not staged down in the valleys, with the cliffs and crags a distant backdrop: they’re up on the slopes – performed in lush Alpine meadows, or on the shores of remote mountain lakes. Usually, there’s a mountain refuge nearby, and a switchback road or cable car to take the sting out of the climb. But in most cases, audiences and musicians need to do a little walking to get there.

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It’s well worth the effort. Each setting has its own special qualities: but every one of them is magical. Up in the mountains, the music breathes like nowhere else – and begins an fascinating dialogue with its surroundings. Violins and cellos flicker in the breeze, and the silences are as meaningful as the songs. It’s no wonder, then, that the festival has become a widely-anticipated event amongst both musicians and music lovers – and is reviewed in both the Italian and international media.

From classical recitals to singer-songwriters
This year’s festival begins with a performance by the 12 Cellists of the Berliner Philharmoniker at the Rifugio Fuciade – a serene and lovely spot near the San Pellegrino pass. The ensemble was established in 1972 and over the years it’s played for the Emperor of Japan and the President of the United States. On July 7, it will perform works by Boris Blacher, Julius Klengel, Astor Piazzol and JosĂ© Carlia, while the audience gazes across the trees and meadows towards the Pale di San Martino: one of the most dramatic of all the Dolomite massifs.

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It will be a fitting start to a mouthwatering programme, which mixes world music, jazz, and classical recitals with performances by singer-songwriters such as Jack Savoretti. Savoretti’s “Written in Scars” was a permanent fixture in the UK album charts in 2015, and he’ll be playing songs from his latest release, “Sleep No More” in Madonna di Campiglio on August 28. Meanwhile, on July 12 at the Villa Welsperg, you can see Jazz legend Chick Corea, who’ll be duetting with banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck: an unlikely combination perhaps, but one which has already produced intriguing results, and received rave reviews.

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Another highlight comes courtesy of the Tunisian oud virtuoso, Anouar Brahem, who’ll be playing on August 2, in the dramatic setting of the Passo Sella. But for raw mountain atmosphere, it will be hard to beat the recital on July 26 by the Kelemen Quartet at Laghi di Bombasèl – a series of remote and magnificent mountain lakes, high above the town of Cavalese.

A festival within a festival
One striking feature of this year’s event is the “festival within a festival”, which runs from July 17-23 in the Brenta Dolomites. Here, you’ll be able to see a concert a day in spectacular locations around the resort town of Madonna di Campiglio.

They’ll be performed by one of the musical directors of the Sounds of the Dolomites, cellist Mario Brunello, with members of Kremerata Baltica orchestra – and the programme promises to be innovative in every way. From 18-20 July, for example, Brunello will be trekking through the mountains with fellow cellist Peteris Sokolovksis, stopping en route to perform music by Offenbach and Boccherini – as well as the “Lux Aeterna”, Kneifel’s mystical work, in which they’ll accompany their cellos with song.

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Bruno and his cello!

Throughout this event Brunello will be playing a prestigious 17th-century Maggini cello, made with wood from the forests just east of Paneveggio in Trentino. Here, the mountain valleys are home to Italian Red Spruces, which grow straight and slow in the chilly, sheltered microclimate. Their dense, consistent timber makes near-perfect soundboards for musical instruments – and Maggini wasn’t the only master craftsman to understand its properties. Stradivarius also used wood from these forests for his violins.

Nearly all the concerts are free
If you’d like to join Mario Brunello and Peteris Sokolovksis for their three-day trek through the Brenta Dolomites, the price is €360, which includes two nights accommodation in mountain refuges (limited spaces – bookings from 9 am on May 8 on +39 0465 447501). But otherwise, all the concerts in the Sounds of the Dolomites festival are free. New this year: with your Trentino Guest Card or if you have a local guest card, you can also join in one of the mountain guides leading walks to the venues for free.

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Most concerts begin at 1pm. However, on two mornings – July 15 and 23 – they begin with the sunrise, at 6am. Each has a back-up venue at lower altitude, in case of inclement weather.

The Festival will of course provide the perfect excuse for a longer holiday in the Dolomites, which were recognized as a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2009. The best places to stay will be in the towns and villages of the Val di Fassa and the Val di Fiemme, in San Martino di Castrozza, or – for Mario Brunello’s mini-festival of July 17-23 – Madonna di Campiglio. For details of accommodation, visit www.visittrentino.info/en/booking/all-accommodation.

For more information about the Sounds of the Dolomites, visit www.isuonidelledolomiti.it/EN/.

Discover Italy’s Eden destinations before the crowds

Each year the European Union selects a number of non-mainstream destinations which promote sustainable tourism

These places are awarded an EDEN (European Destinations of Excellence) classification, with the aim of drawing attention to areas – many off the beaten track – and national treasures.

The aim of the Eden project which began in 2006 is to draw  attention to examples of good practice in sustainable tourism and help de-congest over-visited tourist destinations.

And this week the Italian Tourist Board in London unveiled three different destinations which already have Eden project status, with the aim of encouraging tour operators to promote them in the UK.

This is a brief introduction to those places – gems which are relatively undiscovered so and  accommodation and food are a good deal cheaper than in the traditional tourist centres in Italy. There are five star hotels but there are lots of holiday farms and bed & breakfast accommodation, eating at traditional trattorias and inns.

As someone who has travelled all over Italy I was very intrigued to learn about these destinations.

Valli Del Mincio – Lombardia

Valli del Mincio, is in Lombardia, in norther Italy – in the area between Lake Garda going south towards the River Po.  The Mincio is a river which flows from the lake to the Po, which is a national park.  Alongside the river there are nature trails and cycle and pedestrian tracks which take you through historic towns and villages, and the largest city in the Mantova region.

Mincio

I note that the riverside tracks are flat which is great for those of us who want gentle exercise!

It also contains the largest inland wetland in Europe – so a haven for birds (149 species) and other wildlife, including herons and storks.  A few English tourists do travel here (4%) but the majority of visitors are Germans (26%) who enjoy the perch and trout fishing.

Outside of the city of Mantova there are many villages to visit including Grazie, Rivalta sul Mincio and Soave.

To find out more:

www.terredelmincio.it

www.parcodelmincio.it

Specialist travel agency in the park barbara@viaggidiherontour.it

Corciano – Perugia, Umbria

Corciano has the accolade of being one of the most beautiful towns in Italy.  So its a worth a visit just to see it.

But there is a wealth of attractions and activities to enjoy – even if you are only staying for a weekend – its only 22 kms from Perugia airport. There are four museums including a new archeological museum; Etruscan remains and the Necropolis of Strozzacapponi which contains more than 60 tombs.

Corciano

Corciano’s ancient past

And if nature is more your thing, there are two mountains, Tezio  (961m) and Malbe (482m), plus two natural parks where you can mountain bike, wall climb and walk.

Local festivals are always a lively affair and Corciana has several – the Corciano cultural festival in August, the Castello di Vino and Dolce Borgo, both in October

www.commune.corciano.pg.it

Castel del Piano – Grosetto, Tuscany

The commune of Castel del Piano is in a relatively untouristic part of Tuscany.  Yes there is such a thing.  And here you find unspoilt villages where the cost of food and accommodation is cheaper than in the rest of this popular destination.

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Rooftop vista of Castel del Piano in southern Tuscany

This village is situated in a truly magnificent situation – between two mountains – one covered in beech and chestnuts – one of the largest such forests in Europe.

As well as nature and outdoor activities…each year in September, there is the Palio, a fast and dangerous horse race. The riders represent the four contrade (quarters) of the city and the race has taken place since 1402.

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A palio to rival the famous one in Sienna

This area is also known for its thermal waters so its possible to bathe outdoors in natural hot-springs.

In winter the village is above the snowline and the nearby ski runs are popular with locals but remain relatively undiscovered by UK winter holidaymakers.

The town has museums and as you could expect ancient churches.  There is also a famous artesian biscuit factory www.corsiniibiscotti.com which its possible to visit.  And a cheese factory www.caseificioilfiorino.it

There are plenty of places to stay and eat.  We are recommended the Borgo Tepolini, a country-house hotel on the outskirts of the town. It does have a swimming pool and offers various discounts i.e. stay 3 nights and save 15%/stay 5 nights and save 20%.

These are must visit destinations – so get there before the crowds…

 

Live La Dolce Vita – visit the Viva Italia Festival London

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Ahh Italy, they really do have the best of everything. Fabulous fashion, top designers, fast cars, beautiful weather and of course delicious cuisine The La Dolce Vita with Viva Italia festival, coming to London’s Olympic exhibition centre from the 13th-16th of March is a celebration of all things Italian and will give you an insight into just how inspirational Italy is.

So if you fancy adding some Italian chic to your wardrobe, learning the secrets to the mouth watering Mediterranean diet & how to add a touch of Italian flair to your lifestyle then why not come along to experience the true taste of Italy?

Check out this video featuring Italy’s very own Aldo Zilli to see what’s in store La Dolce Vita

Rejuvenate your life with La Dolce Vita

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Ahh Italy, they really do have the best of everything. Fabulous fashion, top designers, fast cars, beautiful weather and of course delicious cuisine The La Dolce Vita with Viva Italia festival, coming to London’s Olympic exhibition centre from the 13th-16th of March is a celebration of all things Italian and will give you an insight into just how inspirational Italy is.

So if you fancy adding some Italian chic to your wardrobe, learning the secrets to the mouth watering Mediterranean diet & how to add a touch of Italian flair to your lifestyle then why not come along to experience the true taste of Italy?

Check out this video featuring Italy’s very own Aldo Zilli to see what’s in store
La Dolce Vita

Italy – anti-ageing specialists

Italian Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (Aimaa)
Address: Via Monte Zebio, 28 00195 Rome – Italy; Phone and Fax 0039-06-3202449
Email: info@aimaa.it
webiste – underconstruction www.aimaa.it

Founding Members:

Carlo Alberto Bartoletti, MD
Gastroenterology, Cardiology, gerontology and geriatric specialist
President of the Italian Society of Aesthetic Medicine (SIME)
Professor of Aesthetic Medicine and Cosmetology, Plastic Surgery Post-graduate School, University of Pavia
Head of the International Aesthetic Medicine School, Fatebenefratelli International Foundation, Rome
Email: cabartoletti@libero.it
Address: Studio Associato Bartoletti, Via Monte Zebio, 28 – 00195 Rome, Italy

Emanuele Bartoletti, MD

Plastic and reconstructive surgery specialist
Professor at the International Aesthetic Medicine School, Fatebenfratelli International Foundation, Rome
Email: ebartoletti@libero.it
Address: Studio Associato Bartoletti, Via Monte Zebio, 28 – 00195 Rome, Italy

Gianfranco Palmieri, MD

Cardiology specialist
Head of Cardiology Unit – Ospedale S. Giovanni, Rome, Italy
Email: gianpal45@alice.it
Address: Via Asmara 25 – 00199 Roma, Italy

Giuseppe Riondino, MD

Cardiology, internal medicine, gerontology and geriatric specialist
President of the Italian Geriatric Oncology Society (SIGERO)
Fully established University Lecturer of endocrinology, La Sapienza University in Rome
Emeritus Consultant of endocrinology: INRCA – IRCCS
Professor at the International Aesthetic Medicine School, Fatebenefratelli International Foundation, Rome
Email: griondino@hotmail.com
Address: Via Anton Giulio Barrili, 29, 00152 Roma, Italy

Francesco Romanelli, MD

Endocrinology Specialist
Professor of Endocrinology at Endocrinology and Andrology Unit – Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medica – Policlinico Umberto I – University of Rome “La Sapienza”
Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome – Italy
Email: francesco.romanelli@uniroma1.it
Professor at the International Aesthetic Medicine School, Fatebenefratelli International Foundation, Rome, Italy

Ferdinando Terranova, MD
Professor at the International Aesthetic Medicine School, Fatebenefratelli International Foundation, Rome
Email: feterranova@tiscali.it
Address: via Murri 26, 05100 Terni, Italy

Maria Veraldi, MD
Nutrition and food sciences specialist
Professor at the International Aesthetic Medicine School, Fatebenfratelli International Foundation, Rome
Email: alberto.moccia1@tin.it
Address: Via Germanico, 66 , 00192 Roma, Italy

The members of the first executive council of Aimaa are:
President
Giuseppe Riondino, MD
Vice-president
Francesco Romanelli, MD
Secretary General
Carlo Alberto Bartoletti, MD
Members
Emanuele Bartoletti, MD
Gianfranco Palmieri, MD
Ferdinando Terranova, MD
Maria Veraldi, MD

Capri Beauty Farm – Anacapri

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Capri Palace Hotel & Spa

Via Capodimonte, 2b 80071 Anacapri
T: +39 081 978 0111; wwwcapri-palace.com

In a hillside position with beautiful views of the Gulf of Naples and the Mediterranean, this spa has doctors who create tailor-made programmes for all kinds of ailments from weight-loss to stress-busting. There is a large pool and a gym. The treatments focus on massages, thalassotherapy and mud cures. Also available are cosmetic treatments and the latest machines to hone the body into shape and refine and tone the skin of the face and body. There are a number of special leg treatments of which Sophia Loren is reputed to be a devotee. The “Leg School” specialises in stimulating circulation using hot and cold water therapy to improve elasticity, skin tone and shape, as well as fighting cellulite. Cuisine is Mediterranean and diet food is available in a choice of three restaurants.

Udai vilas, Udaipur, Rajasthan

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T:+91 294 243 3300; www.oberoihotels.com

The resort has two large swimming pools which are heated in winter, a gymnasium, boutique and a library with a selection of music and DVDs. Private excursions and cruises on the lake can be organised by the hotel. The spa, managed by Banyan Tree, offers holistic treatments and therapies to pamper and revitalise mind and body using holistic therapies and massages combining the best of East and West. Massages, facials and body beautification methods use ancient Ayurveda and aromatherapy as well as Thai and western techniques designed to relieve stress as well as create a sense of wellbeing. The spa has a private pool and individual therapy suites with views of Lake Pichola, the Aravali mountains and City Palace. Each of the eight suites has its own steam sauna and Victorian style bathtub. The gym and hair salon are located around a central domed foyer with a marble fountain.