ITALY LOVES SRI LANKA
In Conversation with stars of the benefit concert in aid of the Easter Sunday attack victims
When tragedy struck Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, Maestro Jacopo Sipari
di Pescasseroli was one of the first to reach out to the Italian Embassy in Sri Lanka, to inquire about the safety of people and also to ask another important question, “What can we do?” Maestro Sipari, having visited Sri Lanka before was eager to help, in any way that he could, we were told. One month later, Maestro Sipari was in Sri Lanka with a 19 member orchestra to perform at a benefit concert, in aid of the victims of the tragic Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka.
“Italy loves Sri Lanka. After the terrorist attacks here, we were really depressed to see what was happening. We felt a necessity to give to the people in Sri Lanka, that we love so much, because last year, our experience in Sri Lanka was fantastic. We built some important links with the musicians here, especially with the National Orchestra. This concert has a particular meaning for us,” he said.
On Tuesday evening, the Maestro wowed the audience at the Archbishop’s House auditorium with a performance of ‘The Four
Seasons’ and other masterpieces by Antonio Vivaldi. “Vivaldi is a very difficult composer, especially from the vocal point of view. That’s why we invited Madame Rodica here. She’s one of the best interpreters of Vivaldi in Europe,” Jacopo said gesturing towards the renowned Soprano seated next to him. The gifted, Rodica Vica who is considered to be one of the most important singers of her generation, is an agility soprano, a specialisation which only a small amount of people in the world have mastered. At only 24 she took over the title role in Mozart’s Queen of the Night at the Bucharest National Opera.
It was Rodica’s first visit to Sri Lanka. While it was also her first time working with Maestro
Jacopo, she was thrilled to be performing with a talented group of musicians. Rodica was also impressed with the view from her hotel facing the Indian Ocean. “It’s such a wonderful place to visit,” she exclaimed.
Jacopo meanwhile went on to explain the unique request they received for this concert. “Vivaldi is a strange request for us, because it’s a very elegant choice. Vivaldi is a typical composer of the Baroque period in Italy, in which music gave a different kind of impression to the people. We tried to include the best of the Vivaldi repertoire in this programme. For that we have with us Maestro Antonio Senatore, First Flute of the Verdi Theatre Foundation Orchestra of Salerno and Violin Soloist with unbelievable talent, Gennaro Cardaropoli,” he said.
“Vivaldi is a very difficult composer, especially from the vocal point of view. That’s why we invited Madame Rodica here. She’s one of the best interpreters of Vivaldi in Europe,”
Maestro Jacopo is full of praise for Rodica. “We cannot offer any kind of concert without an amazing Soprano like her. The arias that she performed are incredibly special. You have to understand that during the Baroque period, women didn’t sing. So what she does is unique and special, and comes from a tradition previously dominated by men. We have a very small group of musicians who can perform like her and we’re happy to have had her perform with us,” he said. ‘Son qual nave’, for instance is a special showpiece suited for Rodica’s virtuosic skills, he added. Asked how challenging it is to perform such intricate pieces, Rodica said that after 20 years of continuous training, it is no longer a challenge but a joy. “But at the same time it is a challenge because I wish to bring something new, every time I perform,” Rodica said. “The orchestra and the conductor is very important in my creative process, because they always bring in their inputs, which is always unique. Showing the richness, the feelings and detail of the Baroque period music are challenging,” Rodica said. Despite the fact that it was their first time performing together, the chemistry between the conductor and the soprano was both dynamic and electric, which left the audience moved and thrilled. “The Orchestra and our great soloists were capable of giving the audience different kinds of subtle emotions. Each kind of musician can interpret and express Vivaldi in their own ways. It’s the best kind of experience we can offer,” Jacopo elaborated. Music by Vivaldi is known to stir emotions of joy, happiness and hope, they add. “That’s very important to us, because this concert is our way of responding to the terrible events that took place here,” the Maestro said . “Therefore Vivaldi is the best musician suited for this kind of occasion. We tried to have the best Italy can offer,” he added.
Evident from her exhilarating performance, choosing performing arts came quite naturally to Rodica, as she was born to a mother who managed a school for talented children in Italy. She laughed that she was quite at home with the idea of performing. “I practiced every form of art, from painting to theatre and music, all the instruments and languages. What can I tell you? I was born in this medium, I live and breathe art,” she said. Rodica noted that as a performer it is important to stay in touch and practice all forms of art, as music is just an element of it. “As an opera singer, you have to dance, act and move a lot on the stage. To know every art form that exists is a part of it,” she said.
Jacopo however has juggled more than one calling. He studied piano, composition and singing and graduated at “A. Casella” Conservatory of L’aquila. However, at the age of 22 he also graduated in Law, and today he is a lawyer trainee in Rome and Assistant Professor of Criminal Law at “Roma Tre” University. He holds a PHD in Criminal Law, Civil Procedure and Canonic Law with a specialisation in Latin language, and he is currently the youngest lawyer of the Roman Rota Apostolic Tribunal. Jacopo recalled being attracted to the piano at his grandmother’s house and quipped that since that day he started playing, he’s never finished.
“Music, to me is like creating life. You feel like a small God for this feat, creating this beauty along with the orchestra, the soprano and the soloists. Therefore the relationship between the conductor and the performers are so special. I believe that every time we perform, it’s like we simulate the creation of God. It’s fantastic!” the Maestro opined. But it’s not easy either according to the duo. “Music is like a woman you love, who needs you completely, all the time,” Jacopo laughed. “With no rest!” quipped Rodica. However they both agreed that their relationship with music, albeit strange, gives them the feeling of being complete.
“The orchestra and the conductor are very important in my creative process, because they always bring in their inputs, which is always unique. Showing the richness, the feelings and detail of the Baroque period music is challenging”
The Maestro wowed the audience at the Archbishop’s House auditorium with a performance of ‘The Four Seasons’ and other masterpieces by Antonio Vivaldi