The Four Seasons by Vivaldi in Palermo

About the Event

Experience an exclusive evening with renowned violin soloist and conductor Elvin Dhimitri, accompanied by a string quintet and harpsichord. Within the refined beauty of Palazzo De Gregorio, one of Palermo's most captivating historic residences, this event offers a rare chance to enjoy music intimately. Immerse yourself in the Baroque repertoire, performed in the artistic and architectural heart of the city, where sound and emotion intertwine in a setting free from barriers, allowing the audience to connect with the artists mere steps away.

Elvin Dhimitri, the esteemed first violin of Opera and Lirica, is celebrated for his vibrant energy and infectious communication. Since his appointment as Concertmaster of the Bilkent Youth International Symphony Orchestra in 1992, his illustrious career has included performances with the Luglio Musicale Symphony Orchestra of Trapani, La Nuova Scarlatti Symphony Orchestra of Naples, and the Toscanini Symphony Orchestra of Parma. Serving as First Violin in the Rome Philharmonic Orchestra, Dhimitri remains a prominent figure in the European music scene, particularly for his extraordinary rendition of Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons,' drawing sold‐out audiences across major cities like Milan, Madrid, Rome, and Naples.

The expression of the four seasons has long fascinated audiences, with baroque composers such as Werner and Fischer creating concertos to capture them. Yet, none succeeded in such vivid detail as Vivaldi in his Four Seasons concerto. The Baroque era cherished the profound changes brought by the seasons this is epitomized in Bernini's sculptures. The Baroque art form dramatically explored the man's relationship with nature, reflecting a newfound awe towards nature's power following Galileo’s groundbreaking discoveries that shifted humanity’s perceived place in the universe.

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons epitomizes its era, capturing the awe and spectacular depiction of nature through unique melodies and contrasting harmonies. The composition captures the charm of the changing seasons, from the chirping birds of spring to the winter's chattering teeth, enlivening a dramatic portrayal that captivates listeners. The audience engages with nature's dramatization, experiencing the rapid sequence of events conveyed through this musical masterpiece.

Delve into the evocative power of Vivaldi's Four Seasons at Palazzo De Gregorio in Palermo. This iconic piece of Italian Baroque music is brilliantly brought to life by the Opera e Lirica Academy string quintet and harpsichord, making it a must‐see performance.

PALAZZO DE GREGORIO
Situated in the historic Molo district, overlooking Palermo’s port, Palazzo De Gregorio stands as a stone sentinel of aristocratic elegance and cultural exchange. Beneath its neoclassical 19th‐century façade lies a vibrant heart reminiscent of the Grand Tour's opulence. The monumental courtyard, a stark contrast to the bustling port outside, features a soothing fountain adorned with rocks and moss, while exotic plants reach toward the light, evoking Palermo's taste for 'secret' gardens.

As you ascend to the main floor, solemnity pervades the air. The halls, adorned with frescoes celebrating myth and nature, boast high ceilings framed by shimmering white and gold stucco under majestic Murano chandeliers. Walking these floors immerses you in history, where echoes of Richard Wagner's music, which inspired his Parsifal, and the memories of receptions honoring Admiral Nelson remain palpable. The palace’s 19th‐century turret, an architectural lantern above the rooftops, served more than aesthetics it provided the De Gregorio family a strategic vantage point over the Mediterranean, connecting them with the sea and the city.