VCR | Venice Classic Radio Italy

The heart of Baroque music beats again in the Lombard mountains with the fourth edition of Musica Mirabilis, the Festival conceived and directed by Giovanni Acciai and Ivana Valotti, taking place in Clusone (BG) from August 14 to October 25, 2025. A refined and passionate project, it places at its center the rediscovery of Giovanni Legrenzi (1626–1690), a native of Clusone and one of the most representative composers of the European seventeenth century. With eight musical events, Musica Mirabilis becomes a true cultural laboratory, bringing to light hidden gems of sacred and secular repertoire through the collaboration of specialized ensembles, first modern performances, and internationally renowned guests.

The opening concert, scheduled for August 14 in the Basilica of Clusone, will present the first modern performance of Legrenzi’s 'Vespro della Beata Vergine', entrusted to the prestigious Collegium vocale et instrumentale Nova Ars Cantandi, an ensemble specializing in Baroque performance practice. The group will be led by its founder, Giovanni Acciai, a reference figure in the field of seventeenth-century sacred music, with Ivana Valotti at the organ.

The same artistic team will return on Saturday, August 30 at the Church of the Beata Vergine del Paradiso for another remarkable world premiere: the original two-part oratorio 'La vendita del cuore umano', a powerful and rarely performed work from Legrenzi’s catalog. The performance, enriched by an evocative dramatic reading curated by Sandro Cappelletto, will feature Marco Frezzato on cello, Mauro Pinciaroli on theorbo and lute, Ivana Valotti on harpsichord and organ, conducted by Giovanni Acciai.

On September 20, the program continues with a tribute to 'La Cetra', the celebrated collection of sonatas and dances published by Legrenzi in 1673, interpreted by the Ensemble Sezione Aurea. On October 11, the majestic 'Missa Lauretana quinque vocibus' (Venice, 1689) will be performed at the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta by the Cappella Musicale of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Bergamo, under the direction of Cristian Gentilini.

A special event on October 18 will feature Les Talens Lyriques under the baton of Christophe Rousset in a moving program dedicated to the forgotten genius of Legrenzi.

A major novelty of the 2025 edition is the first 'Giovanni Legrenzi' International Competition, open to singers and ensembles under 35 from all over Europe. The two categories - Baroque singing and instrumental ensembles - will culminate in the winner concerts on September 27 and October 25.

VCR Venice Classic Radio is proud to be the official radio partner of the initiative, confirming the value of a project that blends musicological research, performance excellence, and the cultural promotion of the region.