Christmas in Barletta, on the Adriatic coast of northern Puglia, usually means lights along the old streets and a slow stroll after dinner. This year the season has a swinging soundtrack. My Way, My Life is a tribute to Frank Sinatra, performed as a Christmas concert by Ottavio De Stefano and the OM Big Band.
When the big band takes the stage
A big band is a rare sight, and it changes the whole room. Brass, reeds and rhythm section fill the space with a warm, layered sound that no playlist can copy.
Ottavio De Stefano leads the evening through the world of Sinatra, the crooner who made elegance and phrasing into an art form. The title itself, My Way, hints at the spirit of the night: confident, nostalgic and a little theatrical.
A historic theatre for a festive night
Teatro Curci is one of Barletta's cultural landmarks, and a concert here feels like an occasion. Red-and-gold theatre interiors suit the Christmas mood well, especially when the lights go down and the first chord rings out.
Listening to swing in a proper theatre, rather than a club or an open square, lets you hear every detail of the arrangements.
What to expect from the evening
- Classic swing sound built on the big band tradition
- The timeless Sinatra repertoire, which a tribute of this kind naturally draws on
- A Christmas atmosphere that sits comfortably between holiday warmth and jazz-club glamour
- A relaxed, elegant mood that suits an evening out as a couple or with friends
Dress a little smarter than usual. Sinatra's music invites it, and the theatre rewards the effort.
Make a Barletta evening of it
Arrive early and walk through the historic centre. The Swabian Castle and the cathedral are close by, and the Colossus of Barletta, the towering bronze statue, is a fine photo stop in winter light.
After the concert, look for a cosy spot for a late glass of local wine and something warm to eat. Barletta's seafront is also pleasant for a brisk walk if the night is clear.
Since the event details can change, it is worth checking the organisers' latest update before you go. A free or low-cost Christmas concert like this one is a lovely way to see Barletta at its most festive.