This Sunday, July 9, 2006, an event was eagerly awaited at Saint Saviour’s Monastery in Jerusalem. We are referring, of course, to the concert of the young people’s open-air orchestra from the city of Cisterno in the province of Brindisi in Apulia (Italy). On pilgrimage in the Holy Land, the young musicians are officially performing in four cities during their stay – Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Acco and Nazareth – but they give more or less impromptu concerts everywhere they go, delivering their musical message of Hope and Peace for this country. Music may be the universal language, but on this evening the music stands were draped with the Italian flag. The World Cup Final demands no less! This served to emphasize the young artists’ professionalism in not allowing themselves to be distracted by what – it must be said – was on everyone’s mind. The concert time having been put ahead, the audience allowed itself to be transported by the elevated sounds of Puccini, Verdi, Neapolitan songs and the compositions of the conductor, Maestro Donato Semeraro. “The concert usually ends with O sole mio”, said Father Quirico, partly annoyed, partly teasing, and the audience called for its interpretation. At the conclusion of the concert, Father Artemio Vitores, the Custodial Vicar, was invited to come forward to thank the orchestra and the tour organizers, Father Pio d’Andola, Holy Land Commissioner for the Provinces of Apulia and Molise; Mr. Vitino Zizzi, and Father Quirico Calella ofm, pastor of Acco in the Galilee and director of that city’s Terra Santa School. He also presented the Pilgrim’s Medallion to the conductor, Donato Semeraro. Never in Franciscan memory has an orchestra and its audience packed up so fast! It was not yet 9:00 p.m., there was still time. 120 minutes later, eyes and hearts full of the World Cup, the orchestra got its breath back and went to liven up the New City of Jerusalem. In the city square, where a giant screen had been installed for more than 4,000 football fans, the orchestra was a frank success for its multiple interpretations of the Italian national anthem, a few songs from the Jewish tradition and its expression of overflowing joy. This evening was one long fanfare for Italy! Congratulations and thank you.
MAB
MAB