When Young Means Classical

A concert series shines the spotlight on the most promising young classical musicians on the Italian scene. Tiffany Parks has the details.

This fall, the Roman Philharmonic Academy opens its new season with the 3rd edition of Dialogues, a concert series celebrating the classical stars of tomorrow. Kicking off the series on 14 September is virtuoso pianist Francesco Maria Navelli, whose remarkable talent has garnered admiration from across Italy. At just 18, Navelli earned his degree from the prestigious Conservatorio di Salerno, and is continuing his studies with Benedetto Lupo at Rome’s Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia. For his eagerly awaited debut at the Roman Philharmonic Academy, Navelli has curated an impressive repertoire that features Debussy’s evocative Preludes for Piano and Liszt’s poetic masterpiece Venezia e Napoli, a passionate homage to the composer’s years in Italy.

On the 21st, the spotlight shifts to violinist Gaia Trionfera and pianist Giulia Loperfido. The dynamic pair captivates the audience with their profound musical connection and masterful interpretation of a program that includes Schubert’s Sonata No. 4 ‘Gran Duo’  for Violin and Piano, Brahms’ emotive Sonata No. 2 for Violin and Piano, and Thème et Variations by the young Messiaen, a work composed as a wedding gift for his wife Claire Delbos. The rich emotional depth of these pieces, ranging from exuberance to poignant introspection, promises a night of musical brilliance.

The series concludes on the 28th with a recital piano prodigy Lavinia Bertulli. Her artistry, nurtured under the tutelage of Lucchesini at the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole and further honed under Benedetto Lupo at the Santa Cecilia Academy, has already earned her critical acclaim. Bertulli’s prowess is showcased through her rendition of Beethoven’s poignant Piano Sonata No. 26  “Les Adieux,” the evocative Piano Sonata No. 2 by Chopin, and Ravel’s haunting La Valse, a program that promises to be a culmination of technical mastery and nuanced expression. filarmonicaromana.org