Festival of Italian Creativity: Power of Music Connecting Generations and Communities
Saxophonist, composer, artistic director and educator, Marco Pignataro is an innovative leader in the global music scene. One of his latest collaborative works is a masterful triumph of artistry, uniting voices and instruments to evoke deep emotion and cultural pride. With Boston serving as the Capital of Italian Creativity 2024, Va Pensiero: A Symphonic Jazz Exploration of Timeless Italian Arias came to life on stage at New England Conservatory of Music’s Jordan Hall.
Pignataro collaborated as artistic director with arranger Andre Sudol to produce “Va Pensiero”.The evening of music, sponsored by Consulate General of Italy in Boston and the Berklee College of Music Contemporary Symphony Orchestra was presented on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Blending the timeless elegance of opera with the soul-stirring rhythms of jazz and gospel, their intergenerational approach bridged musical traditions. Together, they created a rich tapestry that honors Italian heritage while embracing the diverse cultural influences of Boston.
This spectacular concert performance by the Berklee Contemporary Symphony Orchestra was conducted by Maestro Julius P. Williams, and included an all-star jazz quintet featuring Joe Lovano & Marco Pignataro (saxophone), Ron Carter (bass), Kenny Werner (piano), Ron Savage (drums). The Reverence Gospel Choir, directed by Maestro Dennis Montgomery III, brought their voices to the showcase of new arrangements of classic Italian arias and operas that featured soloist, classical, soprano Dana Lynne Varga.
Pignataro noted that bringing the event to life was “nothing short of a miracle”. He further shared with the audience that when he was asked if he had any ideas that would lend to the 2024 Festival of Italian Creativity, he answered yes and approached Berklee graduate Andre Sudol to arrange the mash up of pieces he envisioned.This innovative project not only highlights Pignataro’s exceptional talent but also underscores the power of music to connect generations and communities.
