CIGOGNOLA
Live Performance
June 15th, 2024 – CASTELLO DI CIGOGNOLA
Press Release
Third Paradise by Michelangelo Pistoletto
Boléro (Maurice Ravel) by Soundwalk Collective – Choreography by Yvon Demol
Classical Music concert with Leonora Armellini, Erica Piccotti and Giovanni Andrea Zanon.
The Cigognola Live Performance, a truly exclusive event, is a must-attend for art and music enthusiasts in the province of Pavia. Conceived in 2021 by Gabriele Moratti, the visionary behind Stella Wines and the new direction of the family estate, this project has garnered significant interest with its innovative approach and the calibre of its artistic offerings. Under the curatorship of Emilie Fouilloux and Paolo Gavazzeni, the Cigognola Live Performance is a unique fusion of skilful performances and works from various artistic disciplines, all set within the captivating backdrop of the Cigognola Castle. This is not just a show but a journey that transports the audience through the realms of art, music, and dance.
On June 15, Michelangelo Pistoletto, the undisputed master of Arte Povera, will grace the stage. He will delve into the ‘Formula of Creation’ as theorized in his upcoming book of the same name, set to be published in 2022.
The “Formula of Creation” is the basis of the Third Paradise, a site-specific and participatory, declined in numerous parts of the world and that on this occasion also comes in Cigognola. The Third Paradise is a reformulation of the mathematical sign of infinity. The two opposite circles that compose it refer to nature (the first paradise in which human beings were totally integrated into nature) and deception (to the second paradise, technological, which disintegrated human beings from nature). The third circle, in the centre between the first two, refers to the third phase of humanity, of rebirth: the third paradise, indeed. Built on Cigognola’s beautiful Belvedere, it offers citizenship a space of sharing, dialogue, and participation, in line with the social commitment of the Association Genesi chaired by Letizia Moratti.
After art, it will be the turn of dance with the Boléro, the immortal work by Maurice Ravel, performed by an exceptional ensemble of musicians, the Soundwalk Collective. On stage, to dance to the notes of the Boléro, Les Étoiles and soloists from the Paris Opera, artists of exceptional talent and world renown. Among them are the return to the stage of Étoile Alice Renevand, Stéphane Bullion, and Yann Bridard, names that represent the excellence of classical dance. The choreography, conceived by Yvon Demol, is a true emotional journey that unfolds through Ravel’s notes. The dancers’ elegant and expressive movements tell a story of passion, sensuality and torment, resulting in a total work of art. The performers’ costumes are by Chanel. Artistic direction for the dance is by Emilie Fouilloux, the event’s creator, who comments, “The main reason this evening came about is my love for dance, which for 20 years has also been my profession. I brought to life the Cigognola Live Performance, an event that combines the enhancement of a wonderful area like the Oltrepò Pavese with a cast of acclaimed artists.”
Concluding the evening was a grand finale of classical music. On the Castle of Cigognola stage, young talents, such as violinist Leonora Armellini, cellist Erica Piccotti, and pianist Giovanni Andrea Zanon, will perform. These extraordinary musicians, already established in the international concert scene, will offer a program full of celebrated pieces from the classical repertoire. Paolo Gavazzeni, who curated the musical part, comments, “With Emilie Fouilloux we wanted an evening of high artistic profile, as deserves this area so rich in history, art and culture, bringing to the stage that excellence which is recognized to us all over the world and which sees young talents coexisting, but of undisputed international fame.”
Starting in September, Cigognola Castle will begin a new collaboration with FAI (Fund for the Italian Environment). Once a year, FAI will organize a guided tour of the castle to acquaint visitors with its significant history and beautiful architecture. This collaboration further underscores the castle’s commitment to preserving and promoting Italy’s cultural heritage.
