Sicily and Reggio Calabria

Following my trip to St. Petersburg, Russia, I flew to Rome where I met Catherine.  We rented a car and started our drive to Sicily.   The close to 12 hour ride was beautiful and full of adventures.  We stopped often for espresso, only a euro and asked many questions as we had no phone or GPS (thank you Verizon).  The ferry ride was exciting only as we crossed the same straight that had stranded sailors for over two thousand years, but was mastered by Ulysses.  What I can say is:  WOW!!

Check out a few photos:
Flicker: Master classes at the Conservatory di Reggio Calabrian
FaceBook: Master class in Reggio Calabria 

Guitarist Nicola Oteri organized three days of master classes at the Conservatorio di Musica F. Cilea in Reggio Calabria where he teaches.  Working with the teenage and young adult musicians was a joy.  Sharing stories imparted to me by those with whom I had classes with as a student: Leo Brouwer, Ricardo Cobo, Sharon Isbin as well as passing the word of my teachers: Dmitry Goryachev, David Leisner and Eliot Fisk.  This intense and personal experience reminded me that music transcends nations and religions coming together for sound; beautiful sound.  Special thanks to Carmen Cardia for translating!

Conservatorio di Reggio Calabria

Following the days of teaching, Franco and Nicola organized a house concert in Messina, on the Sicilian side of the straight.  A musical feast we had! – Messina House Concert Photos

Sicily is gorgeous; truly the garden of Italy.  Catherine and I stayed with Luthier Franco Marino and his wife Carmen Cardia in the city of Messina.  Never have I tasted, repeatedly I might add for scientific reasoning, such amazing espresso.  Oh, and Granita!!

Granita!

Catherine and I took a day to go to Agrigento to visit the Valley of the Temples and Piazza Armenina where we saw a Roman Villa full of mosaic work like we’ve never seen anywhere, not even Pompeii could claim such a large collection of beauty.  Told not to take photos of the mosaic we obeyed.  Sorry.

Though there are many more photos:  Sicily, Concert, Espresso, Exploration

Driving in Sicily was not a problem.  People move quickly and are fairly well trained.  Also, the roads are substantially better than Boston’s, drivers too.  So many colors and beautiful beaches in Sicilia.  Sadly, during our trip it was the coldest June in 100 years, so we saw the beaches but did not take off our coats.  Next time, which brings me to:  Nicola, Franco and I are planning for a festival next summer, so pay attention all of you guitar cats.  Sicily might just be calling your name!

It’s not just how you play but how you get there.

Special thanks to photographer Catherine Larget-Caplan!

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