ITALIAN EVENTS NEWSLETTER – AUTUMN 14

ART EXIBITIONS

PURE, SIMPLE AND NATURAL, ART IN FLORENCE BETWEEN THE 16TH AND 17TH CENTURIES Florence, Uffizi Gallery Until 11 Nov 2014 www.uffizi.com

This exhibition is dedicated to the artists that Giorgio Vasari credited with the “renaissance” of the modern art at the time, among others, Andrea del Sarto and Fra’ Bartolomeo. Paintings, drawings and sculptures of the most relevant artists that marked the artistic passage from the 16th to the 17th century: Andrea del Sarto, Santi di Tito, Bronzino, Giovanni Bandini, Vannini and more.

THE FORTUNES OF THE PRIMITIVES, art treasures from Italian Collections of 18th-20th Century Florence, Galleria dell’Accademia Until 8 December 2014 www.polomuseale.firenze.it

The “Primitivi” were the predecessors of the great Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo and Raffaello, whose works saw a renewed interest on the part of art collectors in the 18th to the 20th century. The artists whose work will be on display in this exhibition include, among others, the Master of Magdalene, Arnolfo di Cambio, Bernardo Daddi, Taddeo Gaddi, Nardo di Cione, Lippo Memmi, Ambrogio Lorenzetti, Pietro da Rimini, Beato Angelico, Filippo Lippi, Andrea Mantegna, Cosmè Tura, Piermatteo d’Amelia and Giovanni Bellini.

PINTORICCHIO Palazzo Comunale, San Gimignano, Tuscany Untl 6 January 2015 www.sangimignanomusei.it

This important exhibition in the perfectly preserved Medieval City of San Gimignano in Tuscany will feature the Pala dell’Assunta by Pintoricchio (painted in 15102), famous painting of the Virgin Mary with St Gregory and St Benedict and other works by Pintoricchio and his school.

HANS MEMLING Rome, Scuderie del Quirinale 10 October 2014 – 18 January 2015 www.scuderiequirinale.it

From 10 October 2014, Rome will be hosting, for the first time, the works of the Flemish artist Hans Memling. The exhibition aims to cover all aspects of the artist’s work and career, from the altarpieces to portable triptychs and devotional works, as well as his famous portraits, a genre in which Memling succeeded in perfecting the style that sets the subject against a landscape backdrop. This style was frequently emulated and was to have a major influence on numerous Italian artists of the early 16th century. The exhibition also focuses on the role played by patronage in the artist’s career, highlighting in particular the importance of his Italian clients – businessmen, court dignitaries and agents hailing from Florence, Venice or Genoa – who either lived in Bruges, where Memling, of German birth, had moved.

IGOR MITORAJ “ANGELS” SCULPTURES IN PIAZZA DEI MIRACOLI IN PISA www.pisaunicaterra,it Until January 2015

The medieval setting of Pisa's Piazza dei Miracoli will play host to 'Angeli' (Angels), an exhibition by the Polish artist Igor Mitoraj. The event celebrates the 950th anniversary of the laying of Pisa Cathedral’s foundation stone and for the first time presents a contemporary artist in close proximity to the world famous Leaning Tower. In addition to his secular production, Igor Mitoraj executed works meant for religious buildings, such as the monumental gates of the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome, the bronze door of the Jesuit Church in Warsaw and the marble sculpture ‘The Annunciation’ for the Vatican Museums. The choice of the exhibits is very personal, and the presence of 'Angels' has a highly symbolic significance denoting a wish for serenity and peace. The exhibition comprises about a hundred items, including monumental works, bronzes, iron casts and marble sculptures as well as fifty plaster casts forming a wholly personal collection as yet unknown to the public.

SEGANTINI, the return to Milan Milan, Palazzo Reale 18 September 2014 – 18 January 2015 www.tourism.milan.it

The exhibition aims to span all of Segantini’s works, starting from those in his adopted home, Milan, to the forefront of international exhibitions. For Giovanni Segantini - one of the greatest European artists from the late nineteenth and the beginning of the new century - Milan was his spiritual home, a landmark throughout his brief life. The exhibition starts from the celebration of his love for everything Milanese: specifically this, his spiritual and cultural citizenship, cannot but present him as the living metaphor of an existential situation swaying between the heritage and traditions of the Great Plains and the most secret and least known ones of the Alpine macro-region.

PICASSO AND THE SPANISH MODERNITY Palazzo Strozzi, Florence Until 25 January 2015 www.palazzostrozzi.org

In the minds of all Picasso appears as the major reference for modern Western art. The exhibition aims to show Picasso’s output in its influence on Spanish art: in its reflections about art; its encounter with “pure art”; the emergence of the monster with a human face; in the artist's commitment to the historic tragedy; and in the metaphor of erotic desire as a privileged source of creation and vision of the world. In this exhibition will be also presented the poetics of artists such as Juan Gris, Miró, Dalí, Maria Blanchard, Julio González.

MARC CHAGALL, a retrospective 1908-1985 Milan, Palazzo Reale 17 September 2014 - 2 February 2015 www.tourism.milan.it

The largest retrospective ever devoted to Marc Chagall in Italy. Over 220 works, mostly paintings, will guide visitors from his first painting ‘Le petit salon’ (1908), to the last of his monumental works of the ‘80s. For the first time ever the exhibition will present works from the collections of his heirs, and some unpublished pieces, alongside masterpieces from major museums around the world. The exhibition will be divided into sections: the first works created in Russia, his first stay in France and his subsequent return to Russia until 1921, the second period of his exile, first in France and then, in the '40s, in America. With his return to France and the final decision to settle on the French Riviera, Chagall regained his more tranquil poetic language, brightened by the colours and atmosphere of the southern coast.

VAN GOCH, man, heart, work

Milan, Palazzo Reale 1 October 2014 – 31 March 2015 www.tourism.milan.it

After more than sixty years Van Gogh returns to Milan with a major exhibition that traces the Dutch painter’s works. The recurring themes will focus on the phases of rural life, enunciated by ploughing in the fields, sowing and harvesting, symbols of human effort to dominate the cycles of nature: a complex and poetic dialogue by the artist between the human being and the nature that surrounds him. The exhibition explores the evolution of painting through the master's early work, his encounter with Impressionism and the Neo-Impressionism of Seurat and Signac; it ends with the period in Arles and his time in the hospital of Saint-Remy where he died.

TWO NEW EXHIBITIONS ON WW1 IN TRENTINO www.mart.trento.it

With World War I Trentino experienced one of the most crucial times of its history. One hundred years later, Trentino is a large “Remembrance Park”, preserving on its territory countless testimonies of the conflict, forts, trenches, military cemeteries. Among the events on schedule there are two important exhibitions at Mart - Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Trento and Rovereto (“The War which is Coming is not the First One. The Great War 1914-2014”, from 4 October) and at Le Gallerie di Piedicastello in Trento - two former road tunnels turned into a cultural space (“The Great War on the Big Screen”, until June 2015).

NEW MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS

LANGHE-ROERO AND MONFERRATO DECLARED UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE www.paesaggivitivinicoli.it

TheWineyards and towns of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato area in Piedmont have recently been declared Unesco World Heritage site, it is the 50th nomination for Italy. The area is rich in history and prominent for fine wine production, the 6 main areas are: Barolo area, Hills of Barbaresco, Castle in Grinzane Cavour, Canelli and Asti Spumante, Nizza Monferrato and Barbera and Monferrato of Infernot.

CINECITTA’ WORLD IS NOW OPEN NEAR ROME www.cinecittaworld.it

Cinecitta’ World is the first theme park in Italy entirely dedicated to cinema and the home of Italian cinema industry, Cinecitta’. The park, situated just outside the capital in Castel Romano, was designed by the Oscar winning set designer Dante Ferretti and the music theme is by Ennio Morricone. The theme park has 20 different attractions and 8 stage sets all dedicated to movies: Ancient Rome, spaghetti western, Gangs of New York, spaceship and more. Further more there are 4 restaurants and 4 theatres. Next year the park will be completed with an area dedicated to sport and nature.

NEW WAR MUSEUM IN TRIESTE www.turismo.fvg.it

The new War Museum for Peace "Diego de Henriquez" in Trieste was inaugurated on the symbolic date of 28 July 2014, the 100th anniversary of Austria-Hungary's war declaration against Serbia. The exceptional collection, patiently assembled by one of Trieste's most prominent characters of the 20th century during his lifetime, Diego de Henriquez, a passionate and tenacious researcher of rare findings, consists of thousands of objects, such as weapons, pictures, diaries, books, papers, documents and an archive of 250 footage and film documents. The new display is made possible thanks to a major renovation of vehicles and weaponry, which contributed to the restoration of cannons, vehicles and tools that were in extremely poor conditions.

FOOD & WINE EVENTS

EUROCHOCOLATE, PERUGIA Perugia, Umbria 17-26 October 2014 www.eurochocolate.com

This will be the 21st edition of Eurochocolate, the annual delicious appointment in the lovely town of Perugia for all lovers of chocolate, professionals in the field and importers. Tastings, exhibitions, workshops, shows for the 10 days of the duration of this festival, this year’s theme is: social network and new technologies. This year’s event is called “Vintage” and it is inspired by the 50s and 60s era.

SALONE DEL GUSTO, TERRA MADRE IN TURIN Turin, Lingotto 23-27 October 2014 www.salonedelgusto.com

This bi-annual fair is a much awaited gastronomic event, bringing together the excellence in food and wine from all over the world. Cooking school, Dinner dates, Slow wine, Mixology, Taste Workshops, The Kiln: bread and pizza are the main event areas. Terra Madre is dedicated to support sustainable agriculture, fishing and breeding.

WHITE TRUFFLE FAIR IN ALBA Alba, Piedmont 11 Oct-16 November 2014 5 Oct Palio degli Asini www.fieradeltartufo.org

This will be the 84rd edition of this popular fair dedicated to the extraordinary delicacy that is the Alba White Truffle. A myriad of events spanning from: cinema festival, medieval representations such as the Palio degli Asini, beauty contest, wine tastings of the famous Barbera and Barbaresco wines, food-related events, theatre, music to culminate with the world famous Truffle market for the best and biggest truffle.

NATIONAL CHESTNUTS FAIR Cuneo, Piedmont 16-19 October 2014 www.marrone.net www.cuneoholiday.com

This is the 16th edition of the National Chestnut Fair in Cuneo. The event fills the old town with tastes, aromas, sights and sounds for four full days and attracting exhibitors from all over Piedmont and beyond.

FRANTOI APERTI (OPEN HOUSE AT THE OIL MILLS) in UMBRIA Various locations, Umbria Region 1-30 November 2014 www.frantoiaperti.net

The “Open House at the Oil Mills” Now in its 17th edition this year and will offer 5 fabulous, not-to-be-missed weekends for rediscovering a truly one of a kind product, olive oil. Loads of events will be hosted throughout Umbria along the Oil Dop Road during the extended edition of “Open House at the Oil Mills” dedicated to Dop Umbria extra virgin olive oil to be held in participating towns and oil mills along with entertainment and cultural initiatives.

EIN PROSIT, food and wine festival in Friuli Venezia Giulia Tarvisio - Malborghetto, Friuli Venezia Giulia 16-19 November 2014 www.einprosit.org This will be the 26th edition of this event, the biggest in Friuli Venezia Giulia for food and wine lovers. There will be a series of tastings of regional food in the many restaurants participating to the event, wine tastings, workshops, seminars and other events related to the theme of the festival.

FESTA DEL TORRONE, CREMONA Cremona, Lombardy 15-23 November 2014 www.festadeltorronecremona.it

Torrone is the sweet nougat typical of Cremona, now famous all over the world. This year Cremona dedicates 9 days to its delicious creation with stalls selling all types of torrone, shows, music, historical re- enactments, typical Cremonese meals to be enjoyed in the many restaurants of the city and the construction of a giant torrone in the main piazza.

CIOCCOLA-TO’ Turin, Piazza San Carlo 21- 30 November 2014 www.cioccola-to.it

Cioccolatò, Turin’s major event dedicated to chocolate pays homage to the food of the gods: a schedule of tasty treats, fun, culture and shows, with an eye to fair trade, to promote a shorter supply chain (from cocoa to chocolate) and ensure that the right compensation is paid to raw material producers.

104th FIERA DEL BUE GRASSO Carrù (Cuneo), 11 December 2014 http://www.cuneoholiday.com/index.php?id=310&evento=546&ev_sezione=2&L=1&limit=60

The “Fat Ox Fair” is an irresistible event- a living mix of local traditions, excellent food, competition, good wine, colourful people from bull breeders to bull buyers, markets and emotions held in the picturesque Langhe wine region.

MERANO WINE FESTIVAL Merano, South Tyrol 7-10 November 2014 www.meranowinefestival.com

Information, culture and the social world of wine are united at the Kurhaus, that Art Nouveau building in the heart of Merano. Fine wines and haute gastronomie are brought together with the simple unifying idea of “true excellence”. More than 500 selected Italian and international vintners and over a hundred producers of the very best in gastronomy are at the heart of what is on offer here, bringing to the event a selection of the highest quality products available on the market.

NOVEMBER PORC: LET’S HOPE IT’S FOGGY! In Emilia Romagna Sissa, Polesine Parmense, Zibello, Roccabianca (Parma) Every weekend of November www.emiliaromagnaturismo.it

Every weekend of November, in the land of Verdi and Guareschi, the greediest salami competition of Italy will take place in four different towns: the biggest Mariolone (in Sissa), the heaviest Prete (in Polesine Parmense), the longest Strolghino (in Zibello), the biggest Chocolate (in Roccabianca). Along with PDO Culatello di Zibello Salami, the Culatello di Zibello Route offers a table laid with typical flavours of Parma. ENDS *Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)

FESTIVALS, MUSIC AND OTHER EVENTS

VERDI FESTIVAL Parma 10 October -4 November 2014 www.teatroregioparma.org

Annual appointment in Parma with the music of Italy’s most famous opera composer, Giuseppe Verdi. Among this year’s performances there will be: La Forza del Destino, Traviata and the ballet performace “Sempreverdi”.

ROMA CINEMAFEST Rome, Auditorium Parco della Musica 16-25 October 2014 www.romacinemafest.it

This will be the 9th edition of the Rome Film Festival, directed by Marco Muller. This year, for the first time, the winners will be elected directly by the public and not by an appointed jury. The main stage will be the Auditorium della Musica, designed by Renzo Piano, but events are planned all over the city.

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF SACRED MUSIC AND ART Rome and the Vatican 22- 29 October 2014 www.festivalmusicaeartesacra.net

This will be the 13th edition of the International Festival of Sacred Music and Art, concerts and recitals in the most iconic churches in Rome and the Vatican. The Wierner Philarmonic Orchestra will be in residence.

SCIENCE FESTIVAL Genoa 24 October – 2 November 2014 www.festivalscienza.it

The Festival of Science is an important appointment for the diffusion of science. The exhibition aims to make accessible to a wider public the many scientific subjects it deals with. The variety of events offered encompasses scientific and artistic exhibitions, workshops, conferences and shows and enables the public to interact with this material in an enjoyable way. The theme this year will be :Time.

INAUGURATION OF THE LA SCALA OPERA SEASON Milan, 7 December 2014

Fidelio by Beethoven will be the opening opera of the La Scala 2014-2015 season. The opera will be conducted by Daniel Baremboim. www.teatroallascala.org

UMBRIA JAZZ FESTIVAL Orvieto, Umbria 27 Dec 2014 – 1 Jan 2015

The winter edition of this popular festival is held in Perugia in summer, moves to the renaissance town of Orvieto for the end of the year. It showcases the best jazz artists from around the world. www.umbriajazz.com

LUCI D’ARTISTA 2014 – Artist Lights 2014 http://www.contemporarytorinopiemonte.it/eng/content/view/full/601 Turin, November 2014 – January 2015

This is an outdoor itinerary of contemporary art dating back 1998 that reinvents the streets and piazzas of the city, lighting them up with striking installations of great visual impact. The central event of Contemporary Arts Torino Piemonte has helped to spread a new, innovative image of the city in the world.

THE FESTIVAL OF “MADONNA DELLA SALUTE” Venice – November 21st 2014 www.comune.venezia.it Events and Festivals Section The Festival of Health is perhaps the less spectacular of Venice festivities. In a religious context it is an event dedicated to the Madonna in thanksgiving for her intercession which put an end to the plague which struck Venice between the years 1630-1631.

SPORT

BARCOLANA – SAIL RACE Trieste – 12 October 2014 www.barcolana.it

Every year more than two thousand sails meet in the Gulf of Trieste. The 16 mile nautical route, Europe’s biggest sailing event and the only regatta in the world to set a single start line for so many yachts.

TURIN MARATHON Turin – 16 November 2014 www.turinmarathon.it

The Turin Marathon is a IAAF Golden Label Road Race. One of the most important 42km runs in the world and destination for runners from all over the world, the marathon is a route full of history and tradition showing all the atmosphere of a past which laid the foundations for constructing a united Italia. There will concurrently be held the Stratorino, open to all, and the Junior Marathon, for children aged 0 to 16.

Stefania Gatta Press and communications Italian National Tourist Board For the UK and Ireland

NB: information correct at time of publication

September 2014