Bellarmine Schola dedicates final tour concert at Duomo di San Gregorio Magno, Monte Porzio Catone on March 13 at 7 PM to Japanese earthquake victims

Bellarmine University’s Schola Cantorum and Louisville Vocal Project presents the final concert of their 2011 Incantato Italy Performance Tour at Il Duomo di San Gregorio Magno in Monte Porzio Catone on Sunday, March 13, 2011 at 7 PM. Shocked by the news from Japan, the singers and Incantato Tours decided to dedicate this special event to the victims of the Earthquake and Tsunami in the Pacific. Any donations by the audience will be tripled by the concert tour organizers and passed on the the Red Cross for their rescue efforts in Japan.
Il Duomo di San Gregorio Magno, or the Cathedral of Saint Gregory the Great, was constructed in 1666 in Monte Porzio Catone, Italy. Prince Giovan Battista Borghese, Lord of Monte Porzio, commissioned architect Carlo Rainaldi to design the structure. The façade, flanked by two sets of columns, is crowned by a triangular pediment boasting a large marble coat of arms. The molding above the central doorway bears the inscription “Divo Gregorio Magno Dicatum,” or “Dedicated to Saint Gregory the Great.” Two large bell towers also border the exterior of the church. Rainaldi constructed the church in a traditional Greek cross layout with three altars and two small chapels near the entrance. In honor of Prince Borghese, each wall bears a chancel adorned with the dragon and eagle of the Borghese coat of arms. The four confessionals are identical to those in the Roman church of Santa Maria Campitelli, also designed by Rainaldi. The church also displays 18th century images of the Via Crucis, a 17th century statue of Sant’Antonio Abate, and a large 19th century organ.

The recording below was taken at the Naples Concert on March 7 in Naples.

Bellarmine Schola sings LVP sing "Beate quorum via" by C. V. Stanford at St. Peter's Basilica

Bellarmine Schola sings with the Vatican Cantors

See and hear the Bellarmine Jazz Ensemble on their 2011 Italy Incantato Tour

This is a recording from the March 10 gig at the Tea Room in Siena

Bellarmine University's Schola & Louisville Vocal Project the featured guest choir at Basilica of St. Francis, Assisi on Friday, March 11 at 11 AM

BU Schola and the Louisville Vocal Project are the featured guest choir for High Mass in the Chapel of Saint Catherine within Saint Francis Basilica on Friday, March 11, 2011 at 11 AM.

The Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, better known as the St. Francis Basilica, is the mother church of the Roman Order of Friars Minor, or the Franciscan Order. Assisi is the birthplace of St. Francis, a Catholic deacon, preacher, and founder of the Franciscan Order. The Catholic Church also recognizes St. Francis as the patron saint of animals, the environment, and one of the two patron saints of Italy along with St. Catherine of Siena. Serving as the final resting place of St. Francis, the Basilica remains one of Italy’s most important destinations of Christian pilgrimage.

Founded in 1228, St. Francis Basilica is built into a hillside and comprises two separate churches known as the upper and lower basilicas and the crypt of the interred saint. The interior of the upper church exemplifies early Gothic architecture, and both churches flaunt intricate frescoes by late medieval painters from the Roman and Tuscan schools. Along with the accompanying friary, the basilica is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and valuable landmark in the Assisi community.

Bellarmine Jazzers take Siena by storm

What could top the inspiring setting of performing in the magical hill top town of Siena? Playing inside one of the original ancient cellar buildings forming it! The fifth Italy performance for the Bellarmine Jazz Ensemble on their 2011 Italy Incantato Tour took place in what is now known as "The Tea Room" of Siena, a quirky café-bar and favorite hangout among local students and jazz lovers just of the main square - if you know where to go.
And the Senesi sure came out on Thursday night to hear the combo under the artistic guidance of Dave Clark and Richard Burchard from Bellarmine University in Louisville play in their home town. The gig lasted a good 2,5 hours and the audience had a hart time letting go of the fine young musicians. Dave Clark was very proud of his students: "Tonight was your best Italy performance yet". And fellow Professor Meme Tunnel added: "It is amazing how they have improved since there first Italy performance on Saturday." Next stop for the Bellarmine University Music Department is the eternal city of Rome.

Jazz in Siena: The Bellarmine University Jazz Ensemble rocks the Tea Room on Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 9 PM

A favorite hang-out for Sienese Jazz fans is found just off the famous Campo and the place to be on Thursday night for live music and good company is the Tea Room. After a great gig in Florence the night before, the BU Jazz Combo is taking the Siena stage here on March 10, 2011 at 9 PM. The Tea Room is also on facebook.

Let's jazz again! Bellarmine University's next gig is on March 9 at 7 pm in Florence: Come see them at Sala Bianca (Hotel Cellai)

Now what better place than one of the hippest hotels in town is the location for the fourth concert of the Bellarmine University Jazz Ensemble. After gigs to full houses and excited audiences in Maiori and Naples, the musicians under the direction of David Clark are featured on stage at the beautiful Sala Bianca within the city center Boutique Hotel Cellai on Wednesday, March 9 at 7 PM.
Hotel Cellai is located in the heart of the historic center of Florence. Its style recalls the one of the ancient inns of past times where young, European aristocrats stayed while discovering the beauty and artistic mysteries offered in Italy. Flooring in stone or terracotta, stone arches, antique furniture and artistic furnishing accessories make the hotel a unique place. The public areas host monthly exhibitions of Contemporary Arts under the ArteInCasa Visual Arts program which make it the perfect place for the Jazzers from Louisville, KY on their 2011 Incantato Italy Performance Tour.

Bellarmine University Jazz Ensemble in concert at Sala Biance in Florence's Hotel Cellai on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at 7:00PM

On Wednesday, March 9 the Bellarmine University Jazz Ensemble will perform at the Sala Bianca in Florence's Hotel Cellai at 7:00 PM. Hotel Cellai is located in the heart of the historic center of Florence. Its style recalls the one of the ancient inns of past times where young, European aristocrats stayed while discovering the beauty and artistic mysteries offered in Italy. Flooring in stone or terracotta, stone arches, antique furniture and artistic furnishing accessories make the hotel a unique place. The public areas host monthly exhibitions of Contemporary Arts under the ArteInCasa Visual Arts program.

Famous Italian singer and actor, Gianni Lamagna, attends Bellarmine University Concert in Naples

Incantato Tours & Concerts is honored to have had famous Italian singer and actor Gianni Lamagna in the audience for Bellarmine University’s Schola Cantorum and Louisville Vocal Project concert in Naples. Mr. Lamagna was one of many in attendance as the choirs performed at la Chiesa di Santa Teresa degli Scalzi on Monday, March 7.

Gianna Lamagna, a native of Naples, made his debut in the entertainment business in 1972. From 1974 to ’76, he joined the theatrical cooperative “I Masaniello” along with a troupe of musicians and anthropologists researching the traditional of musical theater.

Mr. Lamagna began studying classical voice in 1979 with Roberto De Simone, which enabled him to pursue a career in professional musical theater and opera. Under the direction of Maestro De Simone, Lamagna has performed in such musicals as L’opera Buffa del Giovedi Santo and Il Drago, as well as the operas Crispino e la Comare, Requiem per Pasolini, and Carmina Vivianea, among countless others.

In 1980, Mr. Lamagna served as one of the founding members of the band Media Aetas, with whom he has performed in Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Israel, Russia, Iraq, the United States of America, Brazil, Algeria, Mexico, and Argentina.

Since 1991, Mr. Lamagna has collaborated with instrumentalist and composer Antonello Paliotti to produce and perform numerous successful recitals, including performances of S’io fossi, DediCanto, Amate Cantate, and Coppola Rossa le Forme Incantate.
Mr. Lamagna is also the founder of “Di Musica in Musica,” an association devoted to discovering and promoting young talent.
In 1997, he began performing with the Nuovo Compagnia di Canto Popolare (New Society of Popular Song), with whom he has presented headlining concerts throughout the world.

In addition to releasing multiple solo records through the independent label Quadro Frame, Mr. Lamagna has recently been invited to sing in such contemporary musical productions such as “Performance intorno a Warhol,”  “Condannati a vagare sui mari” by the Colin Muset Ensemble, Concert Lauda Intorno allo Stabat, Vox Animae with Mariano Rigillo and the Soloists of the San Carlo Theater of Naples.

For more information on Gianni Lamagna, please visit: http://www.giannilamagna.com/inglese/Start.html

Making friends and tasting Napolitan Specialties

Sampling the local flavors - Bellarmine University students made friends with musicians from the Naples Conservatory Jazz Class over some tasty food.

The Louisville Vocal Project in Concert in Naples

The Louisville Vocal Project presented a highlight concert in Naples at the church of Santa Teresa degli Scalzi.

Bellarmine University's Schola Cantorum & Louisvill Vocal Project perform at Chiesa di Santa Teresa Degli Scalzi (Naples) on Monday, March 7 at 4:45 PM

On Monday, March 7 at 4:45 PM, the Bellarmine University Choirs will sing at Chiesa di Santa Teresa Degli Scalzi in Naples. The church is the eponym for the street on which it is located, just around the corner to the north of the National Archaeological Museum. The interior of the church is a treasure trove, with works by painters Paolo de Matteis and Battistello Caracciolo and the sculptor Domenico Antonio Vaccaro, among many others. Also, the church holds a painting of Holy Roman Emperor Charles VII. It is by Giacomo Colombo and is from 1715, the era of the brief Austrian Hapsburg vice-realm in Naples. The chapel of St. Teresa within the church was designed by Cosimo Fanzago and is considered relevant in the history of Neapolitan Baroque art.

Bellarmine Jazz Ensemble in Maiori

Full House with new and old friends for the Bellarmine Jazz Ensemble in Maiori

First Bellarmine Jazz Ensemble gig a success - repeat concert requested on Sunday, March 6, at 8:30 pm

The Bellarmine University Jazz Ensemble kicked of their 2011 Incantato Italy Performance Tour with a concert at the historic town hall of Maiori on Saturday, March 5 to a full house. The audience, including Assesore Andrea del Pizzo, loved the combo under the direction of Dave Clark so much, that the musicians were asked to present a second concert and jam session the following night again as one of the highlights for the Carneval celebrations when thousands of visitors are expected to come to Maiori on the Amalfi Coast.

Bellarmine University Jazz Ensemble will perform at Sala Bianca, Hotel Cellai (Florence) on Wednesday, March 9 at 7:00 PM

On Wednesday, March 9 the Jazz Ensemble of Bellarmine University will perform at the Sala Bianca, Hotel Cellai in Florence at 7:00 PM. Hotel Cellai is located in the heart of the historic center of Florence in an characteristic and quiet area. Its style recalls the one of the ancient inns of past times where young, European aristocrats stayed while discovering the beauty and artistic mysteries offered in Italy. Flooring in stone or terracotta, stone arches, antique furniture and artistic furnishing accessories make the hotel an unique place. The public areas host monthly exhibitions of Contemporary Arts under the ArteInCasa Visual Arts program.

Bellarmine University's Schola Cantorum & Louisville Vocal Project to sing High Mass at Saint Francis Basilica, Assisi on Friday, March 11 at 11 AM

Schola Cantorum and the Louisville Vocal Project will participate in High Mass in the Chapel of Saint Catherine within Saint Francis Basilica on Friday, March 11, 2011 at 11 AM. The Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, better known as the St. Francis Basilica, is the mother church of the Roman Order of Friars Minor, or the Franciscan Order. Assisi is the birthplace of St. Francis, a Catholic deacon, preacher, and founder of the Franciscan Order. The Catholic Church also recognizes St. Francis as the patron saint of animals, the environment, and one of the two patron saints of Italy along with St. Catherine of Siena. Serving as the final resting place of St. Francis, the Basilica remains one of Italy’s most important destinations of Christian pilgrimage. Founded in 1228, St. Francis Basilica is built into a hillside and comprises two separate churches known as the upper and lower basilicas and the crypt of the interred saint. The interior of the upper church exemplifies early Gothic architecture, and both churches flaunt intricate frescoes by late medieval painters from the Roman and Tuscan schools. Along with the accompanying friary, the basilica is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and valuable landmark in the Assisi community.

The Jazz Ensemble of Bellarmine University Music Department performs at Oratorio di S.Giovanna Antida Thouret (Naples) on Monday, March 7 at 7 PM

S.Giovanna Antida Thouret

On Monday, March 7, 2011 the Jazz Ensemble of the Bellarmine University Music Department, of Louisville, Kentucky, will present a concert of well-known American jazz standards featuring the music of Ellington, Mancini, Rodgers & Hart, Young, and Garner under the direction of Mr. David Clark in Naples. The venue will be a no-more-sacred church, now used as an oratory and concert hall, called Oratorio di S.Giovanna Antida Thouret (former Chiesa dei S.Bernardino e Margherita a Fonseca). The Chiesa dei S.Bernardino e Margherita a Fonseca was built in the XVII century by Pietro de Martino. At the end of the century, chapels were added as well as a dome. After an earthquake in 1980, it was restored and since then has been used as an oratory where the youth meets for performances and social activities.

Bellarmine University Jazz Ensemble will perform at the Tea Room in Siena on Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 9 PM

On March 10, 2011 at 9 PM the Jazz Ensemble of the Bellarmine University Music Department will perform at the Tea Room in Siena. This café is a hot spot for students and the young Senese as it offers hot tea from around the world as well as cocktails. If you like some dessert, then try the cake of the day together with a hot chocolate. You can choose from many board games while you sip your tea, or sit back and listen to the live music. For more information and pictures, follow the Tea Room on facebook.