It’s time for the Time in Jazz festival in Berchidda

Islands in music, as summer draws to a close. In Sardinia’s Gallura region, Berchidda is the epicentre of ‘Time in Jazz’, which extends to fifteen other locations; it begins with a musical crossing from Livorno to Golfo Aranci. In the medieval village of Castelbuono, an hour and a half from Palermo and about ten kilometres from the sea, the Ypsigrock festival brings fresh sounds; the main stage is Piazza Castello, nestled between the ancient Medieval Arch, the grand staircase and the imposing Ventimiglia Castle. A change of atmosphere in another village, this time in the Marche region, where we can listen to cellist Mario Brunello and his students.  

Time in Jazz, the festival conceived and directed by Paolo Fresu, reaches its 39th edition this year; an edition that will take place across Berchidda and fifteen other towns and villages in northern Sardinia. The first day, Saturday 8 August, begins at 7.45 am with an event that has been a staple of Time in Jazz for the past twenty editions: the musical sea crossing from the port of Livorno to that of Golfo Aranci, with the powerful marching band Bandakadabra on board. On the 11th in Berchidda, ‘Kind of Miles’, a theatrical and musical show conceived, written and performed by Paolo Fresu on the trumpet, in which storytelling, autobiographical moments and original music intertwine to retrace the artistic and personal journey of Miles Davis. And then there are many other concerts, featuring jazz musicians such as Nils Petter Molvær, Enrico Pieranunzi, Nicholas Payton, Fabrizio Bosso, Theon Cross, Flavio Boltro, Kokoroko, Amii Stewart, Apparat, Diodato, Giovanni Falzone, Matilde Gori, Dado Moroni, Attilio Zanchi, Gegé Munari and Gianni Cazzola. As well as the music, there will be activities for children, book launches and meetings with authors, and exhibitions. 

Ypsi Once Stage © Stefano Masselli

From 6 to 9 August, the 29th edition of Ypsigrock, with a line-up showcasing new sounds: from British post-punk and the tense spoken-word of Dry Cleaning (UK), to the goth-pop of Dog Race (UK), the kaleidoscopic and playful indie pop of Chinese American Bear (USA), the emotional collision of noise-rock and orchestral ballads by Friko (USA), right through to the ritualistic folk-punk of The New Eves (UK), the fresh art-pop/electro explorations of RIP Magic (UK) and the arrival of a contemporary legend of European club culture, Soulwax (Belgium). Also featuring: Annahstasia (USA), I Cani (IT), Deki Alem (Sweden), DITTER (France), GANS (UK), Horsegirl (USA), Julie Rains (Belgium), The Antlers (USA), Black Country, New Road (UK), Cate Le Bon (UK), jasmine.4.t (UK) and Wednesday (USA), shaping an edition with an international flavour that is eclectic and true to the festival’s history. 

From 3 to 8 August, the eighth edition of “I Suoni dei Borghi”, the project conceived by cellist Mario Brunello. At the heart of the project is a cello masterclass which brings San Ginesio to life for a whole week, involving young professionals from various countries and – importantly – enthusiasts of all ages through the ‘9–99’ class. One of the most evocative moments is the night-time walk to a vantage point in the Sibillini Mountains, ending at dawn, accompanied by performances from the young musicians. This is complemented by three concerts open to the public: the first takes place on 3 August in the Cloister of Sant’Agostino, featuring Brunello and pianist Maria Semeraro with a highly significant Brahms programme; on the 7th, at the same venue, the Cello Orchestra from the Ensemble Music class will perform; whilst on the 8th, in the Sant’Agostino Auditorium, we will hear the young talents from the masterclass.