Barletta, on the Adriatic coast of northern Puglia, is a city of castles, cathedrals and sea air. On concert nights it also becomes a place for music with real passion. Danilo Rossi & The New Gipsy Project bring a programme that moves between the Balkans, the classical repertoire and Gypsy tradition.
Where Vienna meets the Balkans
Few concerts ask you to hold two worlds in your head at once. This one does. It sets the discipline of the classical repertoire beside the fire and freedom of Gypsy music.
The result should feel like a conversation between a concert hall and a village square. Refined phrasing sits next to dance rhythms, sudden changes of mood and melodies that move from nostalgia to joy in a few bars.
An evening inside a theatre
Teatro Curci is the kind of venue that changes how you listen. Tiers of seats, the hush before the first note and the acoustics of a traditional Italian theatre all add to the evening. Music of this character suits that setting well.
It works especially well as a night out for two, or for a group of friends who want something more adventurous than the usual summer festival lineup.
- Virtuosic passages that show the classical side of the repertoire
- Balkan-style rhythms that make it hard to sit still
- Melancholic melodies in the Gypsy tradition, with a lyrical, singing quality
- A shared, attentive silence when a quiet piece ends
Making a night of it in Barletta
Arrive early and walk through the old town. The Castello Svevo and the cathedral are close to the centre, and the Colosso, the giant bronze statue that is a symbol of Barletta, is an easy stop on the way.
A stroll along the lungomare before the concert is a good way to settle into the evening. Afterwards, look for a small place in the centre for a late glass of wine and some local seafood.
Little tips for the concert
This is a listening evening, so a few simple habits help you enjoy it more.
- Check the start time and the entry arrangements before you go, since the programme is shared through the local info point
- Come a little early to find your seat and soak up the theatre
- Dress smart-casual, as the setting deserves a touch of elegance
- Leave time afterwards to talk about the music over a drink
If you enjoy concerts that cross borders and styles, this one is a good reason to spend an evening in Barletta. The trip is worth it for the city and the music together, and you can easily add a day in nearby Trani.