The Band of the Air Force Schools Command / 3rd Air Region of Bari performed in Martina Franca in the traditional Christmas concert inside the Basilica of San Martino
The event was attended by local civil and military authorities. A traditional appointment, now in its 5th edition, organised by the 16th “Force Protection” Wing and the Rector of the Basilica of San Martino, Monsignor Franco Semeraro, who, once again this year, granted the splendid “location”.
Led by the Maestro, First Warrant Officer Lieutenant Nicola Cotugno, the 26 musicians performed a repertoire which, in the first part, was heavily focused on the 150th anniversary of the Unification of Italy. “Il Canto degli Italiani” by Michele Novaro, which, combined with the lyrics of Goffredo Mameli, became the “National Anthem” in 1946, opened the evening, followed by the performance of works taken from “I Vespri Siciliani” and “La Forza del Destino” by Giuseppe Verdi, “Corona d'Italia” by Rossini, and “Cavalleria Rusticana” by Mascagni. The second part of the concert was dedicated to two musicians, Rota and Liszt, marking the centenary and bicentenary of their births respectively. The evening concluded with some Christmas symphonic themes and the Italian Air Force official march.
Colonel Romeo Paternò, Commander of the 16th Wing, after thanking everyone present, stated that “renewing this musical event in such an important setting for the Martina community has a very profound meaning, because, as well as strengthening the bond between the Air Force and Martina Franca, it is a source of pride as it coincides with the 150th anniversary of the Unification of Italy. Special thanks – continued Colonel Paternò – thanks go to the Rector of the Basilica of San Martino, Monsignor Franco Semeraro, who made it possible to bring to life this event which has become a traditional fixture for all citizens of Martina”.
“Offering the Christmas concert to the community of Martina for the fifth consecutive year, right in the religious heart of the city”said Mgr Semeraro“It is a strong demonstration of the bond between the city and the aviators of the 16th Stormo of the Air Force. The attention shown by the warm audience present, the refinement of the musical programmes proposed, and the high artistic profile demonstrated by the young performers give the evening a special character to be preserved and handed down to posterity”The Band of the Schools Command of the Air Force / 3rd Air Region of Bari was established in 1987. It currently consists of volunteer fixed-term musician airmen and permanent personnel, suitably selected from the best graduates of music conservatories. It carries out intense activity, consistently winning the favour of critics and the public, to the extent that it has become one of the most representative ensembles on the Italian wind orchestra scene. In addition to performing in the most important theatres and squares in Italy, it has performed in France, Albania and Romania. Since 1997 it has been directed by Maestro Nicola Cotugno.
