John Cabot Chamber Orchestra Spring Concert Delights Crowds
The John Cabot Chamber Orchestra
A magical musical night was held in celebration of the 40th anniversary of John Cabot University on Friday, March 30th. The John Cabot Chamber Orchestra, led by director and violin soloist Lorenzo Colitto, filled the Renaissance halls of the Palazzo della Cancelleria, historically known as one of the centers of musical life in Rome.
The selection of music – Zavateri’s Introduction, Vivaldi’s Spring and Summer concertos from The Four Seasons, and Telemann’s Don Quixote Suite – was apt for the season and the mood of the audience. To complement the Chamber Orchestra’s performance, actress Gabriella Petti read the Spring and Summer sonnets, believed to have been written by Vivaldi and used as inspiration for his musical compositions. Ms. Petti also read from the novel Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, on which the Suite was based.
The Chamber Orchestra gave an exceptional and emotionally rousing performance carried masterfully by Colitto, who stood out with his oustanding violin solos during The Four Seasons, and received overwhelming applause by the audience after the conclusion of each piece. It is an understatement that the event was well-attended – even after its commencement and drawing close to its conclusion, guests were still attempting to enter the venue and find places to sit. Among the attendees were President Franco Pavoncello, Dean Mary Merva, members of the Board of Trustees, as well as faculty and students.
It was a truly unforgettable evening that not only brought pleasure to its participants, but also raised significant proceeds for the expansion the University’s Frohring Library.
The John Cabot Chamber Orchestra was founded in 2005 and is Rome’s best-known non-professional string ensembles, comprised of players of diverse ages and nationalities. Each concert cycle is led by a distinguished guest director. It is managed under the artistic direction of Giorgia Franceschi.
About Lorenzo Colitto
This is Roman-born violin soloist’s third time as JCCO director. He has performed with many of Europe’s most prestigious early music and Baroque ensembles, in many of the world’s most important concert halls.
About Gabriella Petti
The actress trained in Naples at the Academies of the Teatro Diano and the Teatro Bellini. She works in Italian theatre and cinema. She has worked for RAI Radio in Naples and Rome. Beyond stage performances, Petti is an acting coach and author of Italian versions of home videos, animations, and television series.
