2024 Events Archive

A Performance of Classical Music by the World-Renowned Italian Guitarist Andrea Roberto

Friday, February 23 at 12:30 p.m.
McNeir Hall, New North Building
Georgetown University

In collaboration with the Department of Performing Arts of Georgetown University, The Italian Research Institute of Georgetown University College is pleased to co-sponsor an event on Classical Music by the world-renowned Italian Guitarist, Andrea Roberto, who will transport us to the world of great composers. Anthony DelDonna Ph.D., Thomas E. Caestecker Professor of Music, Georgetown University Davis Performing Arts Center, will introduce Andrea Roberto. 

Andrea Roberto
Italian Guitarist

Andrea Roberto was  born in Foggia, Italy on 26 October 1995. He began studying guitar at the age of 4.  At the age of 9 he was admitted to the “U. Giordano” Conservatory of Music in the class of Maestro Sandro Torlontano and attained his diploma with honors at the age of 14. He went on to distinguish himself at the Maastricht Conservatory under Maestro Carlo Marchione, where he began to display his prodigious talent.

Since then, his remarkable musicianship and virtuosity have led to awards and performances across the globe. In 2017, Andrea made debut recording, “El Viaje de la guitarra italiana” with JSG Records which has received much critical acclaim. David Russell has noted: “Andrea’s attractive phrasing of melody paired with an impressive level of technical difficulty has earned him a place in the classical guitar community.” Andrea Roberto’s triumph in the 2019 Parkening International Guitar Competition, the world’s preeminent competition of its kind, has moved him into the forefront of the classical guitar world. 

The program includes the following repertoire:

  • M.Giuliani – Rossiniana no.6 op.124
  • J.Dowland – The frog Galliard
    • John Smith his almain
    • Allemande From pleasures
  • M.Praetorius – from Suite in D
  • Prelude-Ballo-Gavotte- Spagnoletta-Volte
  • J.Rodrigo – Fandango
  • I.Albeniz – Cordoba
    • Sevilla
  • F.Tarrega – Variations on the Carnival of Venice

Music from the Royal Chapel of Early Modern Naples 
Book presentation & concert

October 10th, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
Dahlgren Chapel
Georgetown University

Art on the cover of Prof. Olivieri’s new book.

The Italian Research Institute is pleased to co-sponsor an event with the Georgetown University Department of Performing Arts and Music Program, Georgetown University Campus Ministry, and The Embassy of Italy’s Italian Cultural Institute featuring the presentation of the recently published monograph String Virtuosi in Eighteenth-Century Naples: Culture, Power, and Music Institutions by Prof. Guido Olivieri (Professor of Musicology, University of Texas – Austin) and a concert on the music from The Royal Chapel of Early Modern Naples.

A book discussion will follow, led by Anthony R. DelDonna (Thomas E. Caestecker Professor of Music, Georgetown University) and the author, Guido Olivieri. 

Prof. Olivieri’s book focuses on the significant contributions of Neapolitan musicians to the development of string repertory in early modern Europe, specifically the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The narrative also illuminates the larger context of Naples, at times the second-largest metropolis on the European continent and ruled in this period by Spain and Austria (embodied in the succession of viceroys’ resident in the capital). Prof. Olivieri’s richly documented book combines music’s composition and patronage with the broader religious, political, and economic frameworks of Italian music, musicians, and artistic culture. 

The event concludes with a concert music from the Royal Chapel of Modern Naples performed by the period instrument ensemble Modern Musick: Risa Browder (violin), John Moran (baroque cello), Dongsok Shin (harpsichord).

Dongsok Shin (harpsichord), Risa Browder (violin), John Moran (baroque cello)

Concert Program

Giovanni Antonio Piani (1678 — 1760)
Sonata for violin & basso continuo in e minor (1716)
Largo, et amoroso
Scherzo: Allegro
Allemanda: Poco Allegro
Legieramente, mà non allegro
Allegro assai è spiccato

Francesco Xaverio Geminiani (1687-1762)
Sonata for cello & basso continuo in F major, op.5, no. 5 (1746)
Adagio
Allegro moderato
Adagio
Allegro

Carlo Ambrogio Lonati (ca. 1645 – ca. 1712)
Sonata for violin & basso continuo in e minor, no. 5 (1701)
Largo-Allegro-Largo
Vivace
Largo
Spiritoso
Allegro.

Michele Mascitti (ca. 1664-1760)
Sonata à 3 in g minor, op. 6 no. 15 (1722)
Preludio: Largo andante
Allegro
Largo
Allemanda: Andante
Giga: Allegro