<<  -- 2 --  Bill Newman    CELEBRATORY PARADE

7. Two gala events

Rehearsals for the 8 July special Gala Concert, sponsored by philanthropist Alberto Vilar in honour of Gian Carlo Menotti, began early with a Happy Birthday tribute starting with an extended fanfare. Brass players from Banda dell'Esercito Italiano under the direction of Fulvio Creux were in action together with the full complement of the Spoleto Festival Choir and Orchestra.

This was one of those occasions where the Piazza del Duomo was transformed into a furious hive of activity that took up the bulk of the morning and afternoon, only for rehearsal proceedings to close two hours before the event itself at 19.45.

Imagine the scene, the Cathedral balcony packed with brass players, whilst spread below them were the chorus, positioned in several lines. Orchestra players crowded on to the stage platform, protecting the music on their stands from the threat of sudden gusts of wind, while Richard Hickox gave players final instructions before ensuring the bevy of solo singers was correctly positioned.

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