PRIMA VIGILIA NOCTIS 2nd edit.
Concerts in the churches of Taormina
Every weekend of October 2013, 6.30/7.30pm – Free entrance
The concerts will be performed by the Taormina Plectrum Orchestra, Giovanni Famà, the Corelli Brass Group, Giuseppe Gianforte, the Duo Battaglia-D’Urso, Quintetto a Pizzico Nomos, the Duo Palazzolo and the flute Orchestra “Afflatus”, the flute Orchestra “Afflatus”.
PROGRAMME – Download the playbill Download the detailed programme
Saturday, October 5th at 6.30pm – CHURCH OF SANTA CATERINA
The flute Orchestra “Afflatus”
Musics by Schubert, Brahms, Faure, Verdi, Nascagni, Gullì, Rota, Joplin, Abreu
Sunday, October 6th at 6.30pm – CHURCH DEL VARO’
Duo Plazzolo – Harps
Musics by Thomas, Petrini, Tournier, Respighi, Saint-Saens, Satie, Franck
Saturday, October 12th at 6.30pm – CHURCH OF SAN GIUSEPPE
Giuseppe Gianforte – Accordion
Musics by Bach, Frescobaldi, Marcello, Pozzoli, Fancelli
Sunday, October 13th at 6.30pm – CHURCH OF SANTA CATERINA
Quintetto a pizzico Nomos
Musics by Schubert, Musorgskij, Bartok, Rossini, Gismonti, Joplin, Piazzolla
Saturday, October 19th at 6.30pm – CHURCH DEL VARO’
Duo Battaglia / D’Urso – Guitars
Musics by Piazzolla, Sor, Granados, Rossini, Giuliano, Gnattali, Gangi
Sunday, October 20th at 7.30pm – CATHEDRAL
Corelli Brass Group
Musics by Schubert, Williams, Cajkowskij, Vernhelst, Puccini, Strauss, Zimmer, Morricone
Saturday, October 26th at 6.30pm – CHURCH OF SAN PANCRAZIO
Domenico Giovanni Famà – Guitar
Musics by Piazzolla, De Falla, Tàrrega, Villa-Lobos, Berkeley, Castelnuovo Tedesco, Kaspar Mertz
Sunday, October 27h at 7.00pm – CATHEDRAL
Taormina Plectrum Orchestra
Musics by Mascagni, Calace, Shostakovich, Albin, Muner, Maciocchi, Sibelius, Bizet
A bit of history… What “Prima Vigilia Noctis” means?
In Roman times the street called Via Valeria climbed from the Spisone coast up to Taormina. Then it went through Taormina and returned towards the sea down the valley of the Sirina river. We would have found the Jupiter Serapis temple, the Baths, the Forum, and the Odeon, built on the ruins of the Aphrodite Greek temple, or the splendid Naumachie along this road. The noises, sounds, voices, and people of daily life during the day: the rich owner of the Domus (house) carrying out their business in the Forum among the amphoraes of many shapes, wine merchants shouting out the quality and good price of their goods in order to attract new customers while the sound of the potter’s wheel emphasized his ability to shape a new pitcher. With a deep blue sky and a few torches in the darkness, Via Valeria would have had a unique atmosphere during the sunset of the prima vigilia noctis (* 1) – which was spent working or talking. The ancient street of Via Valeria has witnessed many changes with the passage of time: the Jupiter Serapis temple became St. Pancras’ Church, and St. Catherine’s Church rose above the remains of the Odeon. Palaces and other beautiful churches arose and the historic core of the city developed around them. So today we walk along Corso Umberto discovering different ages at every step changing from Arabic style to Norman and from Gothic to Baroque. What is more, we can only be enchanted along the way by Taormina’s Churches. Built through the ages, some of them were unfortunately destroyed or integrated into other buildings, while others were demolished but many are still used for worship and are open to visitors. We are immediately struck by the Cathedral fortress, the Cathedral dedicated to St. Nicholas, while a glimpse of the medieval Varò Church is an impressive sight. Overlooking the sea, St. Joseph’s Church smiles and guides us along the road to St. Catherine’s Church. And before leaving Taormina, the S. Pancras Church greets us, the city’s patron saint.
* 1. The Romans divided the day into 12 daylight hours (from sunrise to sunset) and 12 hours of darkness. Consequently, the duration of each hour was not fixed but varied according to the seasons, daylight hours being longer in summer and shorter in winter, and vice versa at night. Both the day and night were then divided into four time periods: these hours of the day ended with the third, sixth, ninth, and twelfth hours while the night were called Vigiliae (Eves). Prima vigilia noctis was from 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm. From this division the early Christians introduced prayers to be recited at certain times of the day: the night office including Vespers, Compline, night, morning and praise, and the office during the day at the first, third, sixth and ninth hours.
Jan. 1st 2014 – New Year’s Concert
San Domenico Palace Hotel
January 1st 2014, 6.00 pm – Free entrance
This year the traditional concert will be held in one of the historical and most luxurious hotels of Taormina – the San Domenico Palace Hotel.
Musics by Bizet, Piovani, Piazzola, Lehar, Kuwahara, Rota, Kreidler.
Dec. / Jan. – Christmas Living Crib
Christmas Living Crib
Taormina Trappitello, December 21st 2013 – January 12h 2014 – 10th edition
During Christmas time in Italy, you are bound to come across cribs in homes and piazzas all over the country. Many cities also have a living crib, or a living nativity scene. It is thought that St. Francis hosted the first living nativity scene in 1223, sparking a tradition that continues in Italy to this day. Beginning on Christmas day, and running until January 6th, towns throughout Italy hold pageants to re-act the night of Jesus’ birth. Actors portray Mary, Joseph, the three Magi and other biblical figures from the gospel.
In Trappitello, hamlet of the town of Taormina, every year in Chrismas time, a Living Crib with about 150 actors and “walk-ons” is organised. It is one of the most appreciated living cribs of Sicily and in fact last year 23.000 people visited the event.
The Show lasts several days, from Christmas to half January. The location set is the huge garden of the old small church of Santa Venera.
How to get there: 500 metres from the motorway exit – Motorway Messina/Catania (A18), Exit Giardini Naxos, direction Trappitello – Francavilla di Sicilia
Opening hours (even in case of rain)
December 21 – Opening at 5.00pm
December 26 5.00pm/9.30pm
December 28 – 5.00pm/9.30pm
December 29 – 6.00pm / 9.30pm
January 1 – 6.00pm / 9.30pm
January 4 – 7.00pm / 9.30pm
January 5 – 6.00pm / 9.30pm
January 6 – 5.00pm / 9.30pm – Arrive of the Three Wise Men
January 12 – 5.00pm / 9.00pm
CONTACTS Tel. +39 0942/50210 Tel. +39 349/4289961 – 339/8320324 (mobiles)
FB: PRESEPE-VIVENTE-DI-TRAPPITELLO
Mail: presepetrappitello@gmail.com
Nov./Jan. – 1983-2013 Tao Arte
1983 – 2013 = Thirty years of Taormina Arte and Taormina Film Fest
Town Library (piazza IX Aprile)
Open every day but Monday, 10.30am – 12.30 and 3.30 – 7.30pm. Free entrance
The exhibition celebrates 30 years of history of Taormina Arte that since 1983 organises cultural events especially theatrical, musical and dancing events. The Taormina Film Fest, hold every year in June, is the oldest and more important event.
The exhibition gathers some of the most significant poster ever published.
Dec. 21 / Jan. 9 – Art exhibition on San Francesco di Paola
Giuseppe Mannino art exhibition on San Francesco di Paola
Previous church of San Francesco di Paola
December 21st 2013 – January t 2014
An orange tribute to Saint Francis of Paola who was born in South Italy (town of Paola, in the region of Calabria).
From Wikipedia
Saint Francis of Paola, O.M. (or: Francesco di Paola or Saint Francis the Fire Handler; March 27, 1416 – April 2, 1507) was an Italian mendicant friar and the founder of the Roman Catholic Order of Minims. Unlike the majority of founders of men’s religious orders, and like his patron saint, Francis was never ordained a priest.
The two major movements in this order were humility and non-violence. The word “Minim” refers to living as the smallest or least, or embracing radical humility and simplicity. The call to non-violence was expressed through veganism, or not doing harm to any creature.
He followed a vegan diet, not only free from animal flesh, but also from all animal-derived foods, such as eggs and dairy products. One of the vows of the order he founded was the abstinence from meat, fish, eggs, butter, cheese and milk.
Legends
According to a famous story, in the year 1464, he was refused passage by a boatman while trying to cross the Strait of Messina to Sicily. He reportedly laid his cloak on the water, tied one end to his staff as a sail, and sailed across the strait with his companions following in the boat.
After his nephew died, the boy’s mother–the saint’s own sister–appealed to Francis for comfort, and filled his apartment with lamentations. After the Mass and divine office had been said for the repose of his soul, St. Francis ordered the corpse to be carried from the church into his cell, where he continued praying until, to her great astonishment, the boy’s life was restored and Francis presented him to his mother in perfect health. The young man entered his order and is the celebrated Nicholas Alesso who afterwards followed his uncle into France, and was famous for sanctity and many great actions.
There are several stories about his compassion for animals, and how he gave back life to animals that were killed to be eaten. For example, a biographer writes: “Francis had a favorite trout that he called ‘Antonella.’ One day, one of the priests, who provided religious services, saw the trout swimming about in his pool. To him it was just a delicious dish, so he caught it and took it home, tossing it into the frying pan. Francis missed ‘Antonella’ and realized what had happened. He asked one of his followers to go to the priest to get it back. The priest, annoyed by this great concern for a mere fish, threw the cooked trout on the ground, shattering it into several pieces. The hermit sent by Francis gathered up the broken pieces in his hands and brought them back to Francis. Francis placed the pieces back in the pool and, looking up to Heaven and praying, said: ‘Antonella, in the name of Charity, return to life.’ The trout immediately became whole and swam joyously around his pool as if nothing had happened. The friars and the workers who witnessed this miracle were deeply impressed at the saint’s amazing powers.”
St. Francis also raised his pet lamb, Martinello, from the dead after it had been eaten by workmen. “Being in need of food, the workmen caught and slaughtered Francis’ pet lamb, Martinello, roasting it in their lime kiln. They were eating when the Saint approached them, looking for his lamb. They told him they had eaten it, having no other food. He asked what they had done with the fleece and the bones. They told him they had thrown them into the furnace. Francis walked over to the furnace, looked into the fire and called ‘Martinello, come out!’ The lamb jumped out, completely untouched, bleating happily on seeing his master.”
St. Francis Paola called the animals by their names even after their lives had ended. He apparently believed they continued to exist after their deaths.
Sept. 2013 / Jan. 2014 – V. Pirruccio
Street exhibition “Geometrie nello spazio” – “Structures in Space”
Streets and squares of Taormina
From September 1 to October 31st 2013 (initially..)
STILL ON SITE ! !
The presentation of the catalogue will be held at the “Fondazione Mazzullo”, c/o Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano, Vico Spuches on Sunday, 29 September at 5.30pm.
The exhibition “Structures in Space” by Vincent Pirruccio, curated by the art critic Ornella Fazzina and set up by Paolo Greco, aims to transform spaces of Taormina’s historic centre through the medium of artistic intervention, in this case with installations of medium dimensions that, modifying the perception of space, give a new urban view.
The main objective of these works is that of enhancing historic sites, conferring to each of them the possibility of an harmonious meeting between antique and contemporary, without continuity. These works have the capacity to blend art and space in a dimension that cancels out the notion of temporality and that, for the essential and geometric nature, relate to the landscape, with the architecture, with myth, in the transmission of universal values and meanings.
View the invite
We are pleased to invite you Sunday, 29 September 2013, at 5.30 pm, to the presentation of the exibition catalogue “STRUCTURES IN SPACE” by sculptor Vincent Pirruccio. The presentation will be held at the “Fondazione Mazzullo” conference hall in vico Spuches, Taormina. The volume explores the themes developed in the exhibition: a collection of sculptures representative of the recent work of the Sicilian artist. The catalogue contains, in addition to a rich iconography, the texts of the curator, the art critic Ornella Fazzina
More info
www.vincentpirruccio.it
tel. +39 0942.610206 – +39 0942.3810
ufficio.cultura@comune.taormina.me.it
Dec./Jan. – Cioccolart Sicily 2013
Church Del Carmine, December 20th – January 6th
Fifth edition of Cioccolart Sicily, an exhibition entirely devoted to chocolate. Exhibition of amazing artworks, culinary demonstrations, tastings, live workshops for kids, contests and much more!
Watch the VIDEO of last edition
Read the PRESS RELEASE (in English)
Daily Info and updated calendar on their FB page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Taorminaimmagine/123867937763780
Oct. 5/27 – Prima Vigilia Noctis
PRIMA VIGILIA NOCTIS 2nd edit.
Concerts in the churches of Taormina
Every weekend of October 2013, 6.30/7.30pm – Free entrance
The concerts will be performed by the Taormina Plectrum Orchestra, Giovanni Famà, the Corelli Brass Group, Giuseppe Gianforte, the Duo Battaglia-D’Urso, Quintetto a Pizzico Nomos, the Duo Palazzolo and the flute Orchestra “Afflatus”, the flute Orchestra “Afflatus”.
PROGRAMME – Download the playbill Download the detailed programme
Saturday, October 5th at 6.30pm – CHURCH OF SANTA CATERINA
The flute Orchestra “Afflatus”
Musics by Schubert, Brahms, Faure, Verdi, Nascagni, Gullì, Rota, Joplin, Abreu
Sunday, October 6th at 6.30pm – CHURCH DEL VARO’
Duo Plazzolo – Harps
Musics by Thomas, Petrini, Tournier, Respighi, Saint-Saens, Satie, Franck
Saturday, October 12th at 6.30pm – CHURCH OF SAN GIUSEPPE
Giuseppe Gianforte – Accordion
Musics by Bach, Frescobaldi, Marcello, Pozzoli, Fancelli
Sunday, October 13th at 6.30pm – CHURCH OF SANTA CATERINA
Quintetto a pizzico Nomos
Musics by Schubert, Musorgskij, Bartok, Rossini, Gismonti, Joplin, Piazzolla
Saturday, October 19th at 6.30pm – CHURCH DEL VARO’
Duo Battaglia / D’Urso – Guitars
Musics by Piazzolla, Sor, Granados, Rossini, Giuliano, Gnattali, Gangi
Sunday, October 20th at 7.30pm – CATHEDRAL
Corelli Brass Group
Musics by Schubert, Williams, Cajkowskij, Vernhelst, Puccini, Strauss, Zimmer, Morricone
Saturday, October 26th at 6.30pm – CHURCH OF SAN PANCRAZIO
Domenico Giovanni Famà – Guitar
Musics by Piazzolla, De Falla, Tàrrega, Villa-Lobos, Berkeley, Castelnuovo Tedesco, Kaspar Mertz
Sunday, October 27h at 7.00pm – CATHEDRAL
Taormina Plectrum Orchestra
Musics by Mascagni, Calace, Shostakovich, Albin, Muner, Maciocchi, Sibelius, Bizet
A bit of history… What “Prima Vigilia Noctis” means?
In Roman times the street called Via Valeria climbed from the Spisone coast up to Taormina. Then it went through Taormina and returned towards the sea down the valley of the Sirina river. We would have found the Jupiter Serapis temple, the Baths, the Forum, and the Odeon, built on the ruins of the Aphrodite Greek temple, or the splendid Naumachie along this road. The noises, sounds, voices, and people of daily life during the day: the rich owner of the Domus (house) carrying out their business in the Forum among the amphoraes of many shapes, wine merchants shouting out the quality and good price of their goods in order to attract new customers while the sound of the potter’s wheel emphasized his ability to shape a new pitcher. With a deep blue sky and a few torches in the darkness, Via Valeria would have had a unique atmosphere during the sunset of the prima vigilia noctis (* 1) – which was spent working or talking. The ancient street of Via Valeria has witnessed many changes with the passage of time: the Jupiter Serapis temple became St. Pancras’ Church, and St. Catherine’s Church rose above the remains of the Odeon. Palaces and other beautiful churches arose and the historic core of the city developed around them. So today we walk along Corso Umberto discovering different ages at every step changing from Arabic style to Norman and from Gothic to Baroque. What is more, we can only be enchanted along the way by Taormina’s Churches. Built through the ages, some of them were unfortunately destroyed or integrated into other buildings, while others were demolished but many are still used for worship and are open to visitors. We are immediately struck by the Cathedral fortress, the Cathedral dedicated to St. Nicholas, while a glimpse of the medieval Varò Church is an impressive sight. Overlooking the sea, St. Joseph’s Church smiles and guides us along the road to St. Catherine’s Church. And before leaving Taormina, the S. Pancras Church greets us, the city’s patron saint.
* 1. The Romans divided the day into 12 daylight hours (from sunrise to sunset) and 12 hours of darkness. Consequently, the duration of each hour was not fixed but varied according to the seasons, daylight hours being longer in summer and shorter in winter, and vice versa at night. Both the day and night were then divided into four time periods: these hours of the day ended with the third, sixth, ninth, and twelfth hours while the night were called Vigiliae (Eves). Prima vigilia noctis was from 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm. From this division the early Christians introduced prayers to be recited at certain times of the day: the night office including Vespers, Compline, night, morning and praise, and the office during the day at the first, third, sixth and ninth hours.
September 20/27 – S. Fiorentino
Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano, hall “Estate”
September 20th – 27th 2013,
Everyday, 5.30 – 10.00pm – Free entrance
Exhibition with works by the artist from Catania who has developed his personal artistic style by painting dreamlike and surreal portraits of people and fishes.
View the invite
MORE INFO
www.sergiofiorentino.com
September 21/27 – TaoBuk
TAOBUK – Taormina Book Festival
3° edition
Greek Theatre and the Panoramic Terrace of the Taormina historical Archives, piazza IX aprile
PROGRAM – In Italian
This year the event will take place from Saturday 21st to Friday 27th September in the splendid setting of the panoramic terrace of the Taormina historical archives (next tothe town library). The building, a previous church of 15th century, is right in the town centre and boasts a unique, breathtaking panorama, embracing the Ionian Sea, the coast and mount Etna.
PRESS RELEASE
The international book festival “Taobuk”, the first and only international book festival in Sicily is created and managed by Antonella Ferrara and this year reaches its third edition. The Festival is a fixed appointment, capable of bringing to Taormina the most important Italians and foreigners in the cultural sector and is supported by a committee made up of university professors, critics and journalists, chaired by the journalist and writer Franco di Mare Its aim is to promote literature in a town known for its excellence in art and history, the City of Taormina The third edition of the festival – that will take place in Taormina from 21st to 27th September 2013 – intends to spotlight, through a series of original initiatives linked to the book and the authors, Taormina and its entrepreneurial, business and human resources. With the aim of attracting not only tourists or experts in literature, but also fans and readers of literature as well as students and young people from around the country, full of expectations and energy. A festival that was born out of love. Books, dialogue and “Beautiful Words”. To immerse yourself in reading stories that make you dream, places, characters not only imaginary, but real, opening up the hope of a better society. This is how TAOBUK was conceived, with the intention to make it different from the many Italian literary festivals. With passions and beliefs. An international cultural event dedicated to literature and art, just as a place for excellence and cultural history and international vocation, which is the town of Taormina. Always admired and celebrated as a crossroads of meetings, exchanges and cultural resonances, by great authors like Oscar Wilde, André Gide, Thomas Mann, Tennessee Williams, and Truman Capote. Writers and intellectuals who have made Taormina a symbolic place of countless journeys of initiation and discovery, helping to spread throughout the world the charm of a city born from the encounter between East and West. It is in this scenario , unique in the world, along seven days, in different sections of the Festival, some of the most significant international authors will be invited to meet the public, along with equally important Italian writers were awarded by critics and readers. All meetings and events of the Festival will be held in the most beautiful places of Taormina like the terrace o the historical archive, the literary terrace of the Grand Hotel Timeo, and the wonderful hotels. The International book festival “Taobuk”, has also joined a European mobility program promoted by the Commission of the European Union, aimed at easing inter cultural dialogue between young students belonging to the Euro zone.
More info at http://www.taobuk.it/
September 17-22 – Saperi e Sapori
Piazza Falcone Borsellino – Taormina Trappitello
September 17th – 22nd 2013
Fair of the typical foods of the Alcantara Valley. Program includes food tasting and food market. Music and dance shows in the evenings.
On Sunday 22nd green cycle tour and late breakfast at the Villa Antonella agritourism farm.
MORE INFO
Town of Taormina: +39 0942.628322
ufficio.turismo@comune.taormina.me.it
ASM Taormina: +39 0942.23605
info@taorminaservizipubblici.it
Download the program (in Italian)