Best events of Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte Festival in Montepulciano

July, in Montepulciano, is the month of Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte Festival (International Art Workshop), born in 1976 from an idea of Hans Werner Henze and devoted to the promotion of music (opera, symphonic and chamber music) without neglecting the interaction with other forms of art such as prose, dance, performances, visual arts and multimedia.

The shows on stage are often premieres of celebrated contemporary authors, and are held at amazing venues such as the Poliziano Theater, squares, alleys, churches and the most enchanting spots of Montepulciano and its surrounding hamlets.
The 42nd edition begins on 14th July and ends on 30th July, with 61 events ranging from classical concerts, opera, dance shows, symphonic concerts and much more.

Since there are many events scheduled, we propose a selection of things to do, inviting you to discover the festival that created a strong connection between art in all its expressions and the town of Montepulciano, an opportunity to celebrate the timeless beauty of this hamlet.

Contemplation and ecstasy, exclusive shows in Montepulciano and surroundings

First of all, we remember that the festival takes place in the most characteristic towns of this area of Tuscany, so it’s also a nice pretext to visit places such as Cetona, Chianciano Terme, San Casciano dei Bagni, Sarteano, Sinalunga, Torrita di Siena and Trequanda.
The festival is directed by Roland Böer, who is supported by Giovanni Oliva’s artistic coordination.

The debut is commissioned to “The World Upside Down” by Antonio Salieri, directed by Matelda Cappelletti (you can watch the concert on 14th, 15th and 16th July): the Orchestra Poliziana and the Corale Poliziana will perform the music under the conduction of Roland Böer.

Another events that worth to be put on the calendar are “Bernarda Alba”, a musical by Michael John LaChiusa inspired by García Lorca, that will be on stage on 21st July at the Teatro Poliziano, produced in collaboration with the Bernstein School of Musical Theater in Bologna, the performance “The Last Seven Words Of Our Saviour On The Cross”, realized by the French directors Clarac and Deloeuil, which consists of an original mix between video, theater and music (specifically the Franz Joseph Haydn’s string quartet), scheduled for July 25th, 26th and 27th.

The “Songs of Colour” exhibition, that will inaugurate on Saturday 15th July at the Fortezza and will be open until 15th September, is the first public exhibition of the paintings by Hans Werner Henze, creator of the Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte, who realized more than 90 works of various sizes.
Two ballets will be on stage in Piazza Grande on July 28th, a comparison between a new creation and a timeless classic: “Black Yellow White” is a ballet with music produced by Davide Vannuccini, inspired by the shamanic rituals and choreographed by Maria Stella Poggioni; “Le sacre du Printemps” is the masterpiece by Igor Stravinskij, on this occasion with the choreography of Silvia Autorino and Giulia Bean and the music performed by a pianist duo from Florence (Sara Bartolucci and Rodolfo Alessandrini).

We also recommend you not to miss the concert in Piazza Grande on 22nd at midnight, “Amazing”; Fabrizio Festa and MaterElettrica Ensemble will revisit the songs of Carlos Santana, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Prince, Michael Jackson and George Michael.

On July 26th, the evocative scenario of the San Biagio Church will host the concert of Rnmc Symphony Orchestra, that will perform music by Haydn, Mozart, Glanert and Brahms.

The Closing Concert, on July 30th at 9:30 pm, will see three conductors alternating, Harish Shankar who conducts “Contemplation” by Alfredo Catalani, Marco Angius who conducts “L’Ascension” by Olivier Messiaen, Roland Böer who conducts the “Poem of Ecstasy” by Skrjabin and the” Bolero “by Ravel.

The events of the Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte are a precious chance to spend a long holiday in Montepulciano and admire the most charming spots in the surroundings from a different perspective.

Credits preview photo Poliziano Theater: valdichianaliving.it/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Teatro-Poliziano-.jpg