The Chamber Orchestra of Europe in Ravenna and Lugano

The 20th edition of the Locus Festival kicks off, a musical journey with a fusion of world-class artists and the best names on the Italian scene, through some of the most beautiful locations in Apulia. The piazzas and masserie of Locorotondo will be the focal point. In Palermo, there will be a good opportunity to see a musical from the 1920s, where a 26-year-old Gershwin definitely made his great talent known. Instead at the Ravenna Festival - and in Lugano - the only two stops on the European tour of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, conducted by Rattle.

On the 28th at the Pala De André the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, conductor Simon Rattle, with mezzo-soprano Magdalena Kožená. A well-paced programme, with music by Dvořák, Bartók (with the infrequent "Five Hungarian Folk Songs"), Mahler (with a very fine work such as the "Rückert-Lieder"), Schubert. Making his debut in Ravenna, Rattle succeeded Abbado on the podium of the Berlin Philharmonic in 2002, remaining there for sixteen years, and then led the London Symphony Orchestra. The Chamber Orchestra of Europe was founded in 1981 by a group of young musicians who came from the European Community Youth Orchestra (now EUYO). Today, its members number around 60 and pursue parallel careers as conductors, orchestra backs, chamber musicians and teachers. From the very beginning, the identity of the ensemble has been shaped by collaboration with outstanding conductors and soloists. It was above all Claudio Abbado who acted as an important mentor in the early years. Another date on the 24th at the Lac in Lugano.

On 28 at the Fiera del Levante, the 20th edition of the Locus Festival kicks off with Italian singer-songwriter Calcutta. Until 14 August, it will be a musical journey through some of the most beautiful locations in Puglia. As usual, the piazzas and masserie of Locorotondo - the historic home of Locus and its driving force - will be the focal point. In the international line-up we will hear Nas (the only Italian date), Toto, Marcus Miller, Robert Plant, Simple Minds, Glen Hansard, Fat Freddy's Drop, Yussef Dayes, Meute, Channel One. And then the Italians, from Subsonica to Cosmo, along with numerous others.

ph © rosellina garbo

On 22-23 25 at the Teatro Massimo the last performances of the musical "Lady, Be Good!" by Gershwin; his brother Ira is the author of the lyrics, with the libretto by Guy Bolton and Fred Thompson. It is staged by the Teatro della Zarzuela in Madrid, with a company of musical specialists, joined by the orchestra, chorus and corps de ballet of the Teatro Massimo. The director is Emilio Sagi; on the podium is the American conductor and composer Timothy Brock. The musical debuted in 1924 on Broadway, starring Fred Astaire and his sister Adele. In the show, we follow the stories of misery and nobility of Dick and Susie Trevor, a brother and sister evicted for arrears. Famous songs include Fascinating Rhythm, The Man I Love and the title song itself, Lady, Be Good!, which have become international evergreens.