Searching for a unique experience in Italy? Attend a music concert to enhance your vacation. Of course, these can be planned or unplanned. After all, spontaneity never disappoints. We all remember the delicious foods and wines we taste, and the sites we see; especially the art and architecture all over Italy. There is something to be said about the sounds in Italy, people conversing in the piazzas each evening as an example. The musical moments will immerse you into the culture of Italy. They will stay in your heart forever!
For instance, while staying at an Italian bed and breakfast on Lake Garda, the owner prepared fresh, baked focaccia bread each day. One morning he played a CD by an American song writer and said, “you know”? Knowing it was familiar to us, he greeted us with a huge smile, and Buon Giorno! He and his wife made us feel like family. He told us about a friend’s restaurant that he said was not easy to find, so he literally walked us to the restaurant so we would not get lost. He stayed until we were served, and he asked how we liked the food. Italians always aim to please and bring you joy.
One year, the first night we arrived in Rome, we attended a divine, Baroque music concert in an extraordinary cathedral. Not realizing how tired we would be from the transatlantic journey, it was challenging to stay awake. Needless to say, we took turns trying to keep each other from dozing off. We were amazed with the voices of the performers, and their ability to make you feel like you were transposed to a different era in time. A tour of the cathedral concluded our special evening.
During another visit to Rome, we went to a delightful concert in Trastevere. Two Sicilian violinist brothers performed with their mother, an accomplished pianist. With only five in attendance, it was our own personal arrangement. The venue was a small and intimate performance hall. What an enchanting evening!
While in the Cilento region of Italy, we decided to visit the Sanctuary of Madonna of Novi Velia. The road to this magical destination was not easy to find, however once we did locate it, the gorgeous drive was easy to follow. It was a steep climb, but the views were spectacular. Along the way we had to stop briefly, to allow a herd of cattle to cross the road. As they passed by with their herder, the bells on their necks sounded like multiple wind chimes. When we approached the parking area we noticed a sign that illustrated a walking path to the top of the mountain, where the Sanctuary is located. Suddenly, we noticed a light snow started to fall as we began our ascent. It was such a spiritual moment that it made your eyes tear. Once we arrived at the top, we noticed there was a charming small restaurant. We decided to have lunch, as the climb definitely gave us an appetite. The only guests in the restaurant were Italians seated at a very long table, and we sat next to them at the table for two. They were all talking, sharing the dishes and wine on the table. An elderly gentleman at the table suddenly stood up and started to sing in Italian. The entire table joined in, and they serenaded us during our lunch. The highlight came when the elderly man began to play a harmonica, as he only had one arm. It was truly a moment that we will never forget. We looked at each other and both agreed that this is why we return to Italy every year.
We cherish these music moments, and prior to each visit to Italy, we now search for the next planned performance. Should an unplanned performance greet our journey, bellissimo! We await our next impromptu musical pleasure.
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