Monday, October 04, 2010

Rome Concerts Connecting Old and New

Rome is a city alive with history. So, it is hardly surprising that the most active musical institution of this modern European capitol is among the oldest organizations of its kind. The Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia has its origins in a papal bull issued by Sixtus V in 1585. Begun as the “Congregation of Musicians under the invocation of the Blessed Virgin, Saint Gregory and Saint Cecilia” (Congregazione dei Musici sotto l'invocazione della Beata Vergine e dei Santi Gregorio e Cecilia), it was first seated in the Church of Santa Maria ad Martires, now better known as the Pantheon.

One prominent theme that runs through the long and fascinating history of the Accademia is the search for a home. In its first 100 years of existence, the association moved within Rome several times. The first true home was established in 1685 at San Carlo ai Catinari, and practically every subsequent chapter in the history of Rome saw the Accademia moving to a new location.

Today, it seems that over 400 years of sojourning has ended in a tremendous architectural complex planned by Renzo Piano (*1937). The Auditorium Parco della Musica is comprised of three large, scarab-shaped concert buildings, plus an outdoor amphitheater. In keeping with the historical sense of the city, the complex, which was built on the grounds of the 1960 Summer Olympic Games, incorporates ancient archaeological finds that emerged during construction.

Visitors to the Auditorium Parco della Musica this season can hear the orchestra of the Accademia di Santa Cecilia performing with such legendary pianists as Maurizio Pollini and Lang Lang or under the baton of visiting conductors Valery Gergiev and Kirill Petrenko.

A classical concert in the Auditorium of Rome seemlessly connects yesterday with tomorrow: Classictic welcomes Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia!