Avigliana
The *Centro Culturale Vita e Pace ODV* presents a weekend dedicated to music and culture as part of the "Avigliana… Insieme" (Avigliana… Together) season—2026 edition.
Two events are scheduled, both hosted at the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in the heart of Avigliana’s *Borgo Vecchio* (Old Town).
On Saturday, September 19, at 4:30 PM, Giulia Giachin’s book *Dallapiccola e Matisse. Miti mediterranei e misticismo nordico* (Dallapiccola and Matisse: Mediterranean Myths and Nordic Mysticism) will be presented.
The volume sheds light on the unique relationship between two major figures of 20th-century European culture—composer Luigi Dallapiccola and painter Henri Matisse—highlighting an artistic encounter that was as singular as it was little-known.
At the heart of the story lies an ambitious project: the creation of a ballet dedicated to the mythological figure of Diana, born from the idea of fostering a dialogue between Dallapiccola’s music and Matisse’s art. However, the project was never completed; it was cut short during the Second World War, leaving behind a fascinating question: how might two seemingly distant artistic languages have come together?
Musicologist Maria Cristina Riffero will lead the discussion with the author, guiding the audience through the events, inspirations, and cultural connections that underpin the book. The spoken word will be complemented by music. Giacomo Indemini (violin and viola) will perform pieces directly linked to Dallapiccola: the *Sarabanda* from *Due studi per violino e pianoforte* (Two Studies for Violin and Piano), and Antonio Vivaldi’s Sonata in E minor for cello and basso continuo, in Dallapiccola’s arrangement for viola and piano.
Additionally, the event will feature brief excerpts from *Sicut Umbra*, one of the most significant and representative compositions of Dallapiccola’s artistic career. On Sunday, September 20, at 4:30 PM, the Lanzo Polyphonic Choir, the FeelArmonia Ensemble from Cuneo, and the "Ora è tempo di Gioia" Choral Association from Turin—brought together by the Piedmontese Choirs Association (ACP) for the *ITER VOCIS* (Sound Itineraries) project—will perform a preview event for the "Culture Week." Organized by UNI.VO.C.A. (Union of Associated Cultural Volunteers) and running from September 25 to October 4, this event serves as the opening highlight of the week-long celebration.
The program will span both sacred and secular repertoires, ranging from works by great classical composers to contemporary literature, and from folk and singer-songwriter music to songs drawn from the folklore of five continents. This diversity reflects the festival’s mission to foster encounters between different cultures, sensibilities, and traditions.
Free admission.
Info and reservations: 3381213863.
