Musicastrada Festival, Tuscany, Italy 2024
Musicastrada Festival is an itinerant event focused on music, photography and territory promotion based in Tuscany (Italy), The Festival supports the transnational circulation of artistic works having a heterogeneous audience that usually cannot access directly to such events organized only in the biggest towns. In fact, most of the events are organized in small towns. Concerts are organized with local and international artists coming all over the world. Their location is the main town square with different kinds of music for a global vision of the world including different cultures, traditions, and attitudes. From small intimate squares to bigger ones, the audience may vary from 100 to 800 hundred each night. At the Musicastrada Festival, one is able to connect to the old Tuscany mood, finding oneself in the world-famous landscapes and ancient villages where time seems to stand still and finally eating at typical restaurants run by families. Music is the way to overcome language barriers and support intercultural dialogue among different countries and different people.
The Artists from the Sounds of Europe project invited on the festival
1) Raquel Kurpenshoek (Holland/Spain)
Raquel Kurpenshoek had a captivating and inspiring experience at the Musicastrada Festival 2024. For Raquel, it was not just a performance but a profound exchange of culture, music, and emotion. The festival's setting, nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Calci, created a perfect backdrop for Raquel's performance. As she took to the stage, the audience was immediately captivated by her unique style. Raquel Kurpenshoek performed in front of the stunning Certosa di Calci, a breathtaking historical site that provided a unique and atmospheric setting for her concert. Before taking the stage, she had the chance to meet the audience in a more intimate, personal setting. This pre-concert interaction allowed for a meaningful exchange, where Raquel connected with her listeners, sharing insights into her music and artistic journey in a relaxed and engaging environment. Following this heartfelt exchange, Raquel was interviewed by one of the most prominent local TV channels, Canale 50. The interview offered her the opportunity to delve deeper into her creative process and the inspirations behind her music, sharing her vision with an even wider audience.
2) Volosi (Poland)
The Polish band Volosi realized an unforgettable performance at the Musicastrada Festival 2024, held in the breathtaking setting of the Madonna di Ripaia Church in Treggiaia, Pontedera. This historic church, with its timeless architecture and serene atmosphere, provided the perfect backdrop for the band's distinctive sound, blending traditional Polish folk music with contemporary influences. From the moment Volosi took the stage, the audience was transported into a world of rich melodies and intricate rhythms. The band's unique fusion of folk, jazz, and classical elements captivated the audience, drawing them into a musical journey that was both haunting and uplifting. The acoustics of the place, combined with the band's energetic yet introspective performance, created an immersive experience that left a lasting impression on everyone present. Following the concert, Volosi participated in an interview with one of the region's leading TV channels, Canale 50. The conversation allowed the band to discuss their creative process, the inspiration behind their music, and their experiences at the festival. The interview provided a deeper insight into the band's artistic vision and helped connect them with their growing audience on a more personal level.
3) Džambo Aguševi Orchestra (Macedonia)
The Džambo Aguševi Orchestra from North Macedonia realized an electrifying performance at the Musicastrada Festival 2024, held in the charming village of Monteverdi Marittimo. This small Tuscan town, with its picturesque streets and medieval architecture, provided the perfect setting for an evening of vibrant brass music and infectious energy. As soon as the orchestra began, the audience was swept away by the powerful, dynamic sounds of Balkan brass music. The band's tight rhythms, virtuosic solos, and intricate brass harmonies filled the air, creating a lively and jubilant atmosphere that had the audience clapping and dancing along from the first note. The performance also highlighted the deep-rooted musical heritage of the Balkans, while offering a fresh, contemporary twist that appealed to both local listeners and international festival-goers. The interaction between the musicians and the audience was electric, with spontaneous moments of connection that made the concert feel intimate despite its large scale.