a magical evening at villa magnolia

there was a different and interesting vibe at villa magnolia yesterday. people in and about throughout the day, transforming the living and dining rooms into a concert hall.

eric and i helped where we could, going about our regular daily routine when we weren’t needed. but it was no ordinary work day. there was an extra excitement, a feeling of electric anticipation in the air. (as i may have mentioned on facebook, it’s pretty cool having a concert in your home!)

first the chairs showed up, stacked neatly on our veranda at 8 a.m. then a trio arrived to move furniture and arrange the seating. later in the afternoon, the sound technician came to set up the instruments and equipment. he was joined a couple of hours later by the musicians, and they all went through a sound check procedure.

as we neared the beginning of the event, we prepared to greet our guests (several of whom we already knew, most we had never met). we were expecting a sold-out crowd of sixty. but people kept arriving at the door, hoping they could still purchase tickets. the concert organizers managed to squeeze in about 15 or so extra, with concert-goers sitting on sofas and even the piano stool.

oh my. it was such a magical evening.

incredibly beautiful music and wonderful people. the ultra-talented musicians, the efficient and ever-respectful concert organizers and comune staff, the enraptured audience (including me and eric). an intimate gathering, all coming together for this very special occasion. what an amazing opportunity for two struggling-with-the-language americans in this welcoming italian community.

and it wasn’t just a typical concert. the trio told the dramatic, often heartbreaking, story of billie holiday’s life through a unique and haunting combination of narration, vocals, and both electric and acoustic guitars.

it was a stunningly spectacular performance, and i simply didn’t want the evening to end. today i keep reliving the event, trying to process this once-in-a-lifetime experience, marveling at how it unfolded amidst our familiar belongings, in the space where we live.

[if you follow my italian adventures on facebook, i will be posting a few video glimpses of the concert soon. but to those who asked for a full recording or a livestream of the event, i must apologize. there were/are neither. it felt very necessary to just be present, to fully immerse ourselves in the magic of the moment.]

[additional photo credits to matteo mastrini and federica furia.]
 
 
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THE ARRIVAL

TUSCANY, ITALY | MAY 20-25, 2018

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