A concert by the Musical Band of the Gendarmerie Corps at Castel Gandolfo

A tribute to beauty and creativity to celebrate Saint Michael Archangel

The concert held on Sunday, 29 September, in the courtyard of the Pontifical Palace of Castel Gandolfo, covered a vast repertoire, including the Italian and Pontifical national anthems, the music of Ennio Morricone, George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, John Williams and a special tribute to Domenico Modugno, retracing the melodic compositions of various ages and styles. “Ensemble for brass and percussion” was directed by Maestro Stefano Iannilli and coordinated by the Deputy Commissioner of the Gendarmerie Corps, Mauro Colaiacomo. Also participating, was soprano, Anna Kazlova, who performed as a soloist.

It was a special moment to celebrate the Patron Saint of the Gendarmerie Corps, St. Michael the Archangel, in the unique and splendid background of the Pontifical Villas. Promoted by the Directorate of Museums and Cultural Heritage and by the Directorate of the Pontifical Villas, the concert in Castel Gandolfo was the tenth in the 2024 programme of “Music at the Museums”, a series of evening concerts held on Fridays at the Vatican Museums. It was the only concert to be held at another venue.

The seventh edition of “Music at the Museums” was promoted by the Governorate of Vatican City State in collaboration with the Italian Committee of Music (Cidim) and the Embassy of Italy to the Holy See. The series of concerts began in May and will conclude on 25 October.

Among others, the concert was attended by Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, Sr. Raffaella Petrini and Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi, respectively, President, General Secretary and Deputy General Secretary of the Governorate of Vatican City State, Archbishop Giordano Piccinotti, President of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See, Barbara Jatta, Director of the Directorate of Museums and Cultural Heritage, Andrea Tamburelli, Director of the Directorate of the Pontifical Villas, Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene, Brother Thomas Binish Mulackal, Director of the Vatican Pharmacy, Fr. Gabriele Gionti, Vice Director of the Directorate of the Economy, Davide Acquaviva, Commander of the Carabinieri of Castel Gandolfo, and Massimiliano Profili, Director of the brass band of the Italian State Police.

Below is the full text of Cardinal Vérgez’s speech at the event:

I greet Sr. Raffaella Petrini and, Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi, General Secretary and Deputy General Secretary, respectively, of the Governorate of Vatican City State,

I greet all the Directors, Vice-Directors and collaborators of the Directorates of Vatican City State,

I greet Maestro Stefano Iannilli, Director of the Musical Band of the Gendarmerie Corps and all the members of the Band,

Authorities and guests,

It is a great pleasure to be among you this evening for this concert of the Musical Band of the Gendarmerie Corps, promoted by the Directorate of Museums and Cultural Heritage and by the Directorate of the Pontifical Villas. It takes place on the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, since Michael is the Patron Saint of the Gendarmerie Corps.

The musical event is part of “Music at the Museums 2024”, a series of concerts held at the museum complex of Castel Gandolfo

First of all, allow me to explain the significance that I attribute to this event, which unites music, art and faith, and the importance of holding it inside the Pontifical Villas.

The musicians who will showcase their talent, their vitality and their energy, this evening, represent dedication and love for music. In fact, they constitute a living strength, a key element for the present and the future of human development and its sustainability.

In addition to their talent, it is also thanks to the quality of their artistic formation that the musicians we will have the pleasure of listening to this evening, have achieved this level of excellence. This leads me to highlight the importance of artistic education in intellectual formation. Indeed, music plays an essential role in transmitting the cultural and artistic heritage to new generations, providing them with the means to create their own artistic language and contributing to their personal development.

I will now stop talking, and leave the floor to the musical notes.

Thank you for your attention and enjoy your evening.