The Santa Sofia Academy Chamber Orchestra took center stage in Tangier this Wednesday at the Italian Institutions Palace, following an earlier performance in Rabat. These two concerts were held as part of the bicentennial celebrations marking 200 years of diplomatic ties between Italy and Morocco, while also paying tribute to the 2,500th anniversary of Naples’ founding.
The events were organized by the Italian Embassy in Morocco, the Italian Cultural Institute in Rabat, and CIDIM, with support from Italy’s Ministry of Culture. Under the artistic direction of Francescantonio Pollice, the orchestra showcased a program that ranged from 18th-century Neapolitan music to modern compositions, featuring violinist Riccardo Zamuner as soloist.
Italian diplomat Pasquale Salzano underscored the symbolic resonance of these concerts, calling music a universal language that bridges the Mediterranean and serves as a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy. His colleague Carmela Callea, director of the Italian Cultural Institute, highlighted the importance of encouraging dialogue between traditions through shared artistic initiatives.
Founded in 2017, the Santa Sofia Academy Chamber Orchestra stands out for performing without a conductor, honoring the Konzertmeister tradition. Its international reach has taken it to major cities like Tokyo, New York, Istanbul, and Fez, and it has collaborated with world-renowned soloists.
Both in Tangier and Rabat, the audience responded enthusiastically to the performances, which celebrated cross-cultural dialogue, musical excellence, and the rich heritage shared between Italy and Morocco.
