Christmas Concert in Salerno

About the Event

Experience the enchantment of Christmas, inspired by traditional songs and melodies by W. A. Mozart, F. Mendelssohn, and G. F. Haendel. Let the extraordinary voices of soprano Anastasiia Demchenko and tenor Francesco Fortes captivate you during this thrilling concert in the splendid hall of Chiesa di San Giorgio in Salerno. We eagerly await your presence.

Anastasiia Demchenko
Anastasiia Demchenko's incredible voice and interpretative prowess were honed at the 'S. V. Rachmaninov' Conservatory in Rostov‐on‐Don, Russia. Further developing her talent, she graduated from the Accademia d’Arte Lirica in Osimo and the International Opera Studio in Pesaro, Italy. She has graced many stages, debuting significant roles like Zerlina in Don Giovanni and Musetta in La Bohème at the Mozarteum in Salzburg. Her accolades include the “Best Female Voice” Award at the 1st International Opera Competition in Colleferro, among others. She collaborates with prestigious orchestras, delivering performances in Italy and beyond, and has participated in masterclasses with renowned artists including Raina Kabaivanska.

Francesco Fortes
With a powerful voice, wide range, and expressive lyricism, Francesco Fortes stands as a prominent figure in the Italian lyric scene. He honed his craft with esteemed mentors, including Renata Scotto at the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome. His repertoire boasts roles like Rodolfo in La Bohème and Radamès in Aida, performed at theaters such as Teatro San Carlo in Naples. Notably, he toured with tenor Vittorio Grigolo in 2016 and has taken leading roles in productions across Russia. Fortes' accolades include second prize at the 'Premio Lirico Internazionale Umberto Giordano' and he was a finalist in various international competitions, establishing his profound concert presence both in Italy and internationally.

Program:
1st part:
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART — Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Adeste Fideles — traditional music
ALFONSO MARIA DE’ LIGUORI — Tu scendi dalle stelle
Noel — traditional music
PACHELBEL — Canon (instrumental)
ALFONSO MARIA DE’ LIGUORI — Fermarono i cieli
ADOLPHE ADAM — Minuit Chrétien
CACCINI — Ave Maria
GEORG FRIEDRICH HÄNDEL — Water
FRANÇOIS COUPERIN — In Notte Placida
FELIX MENDELSSOHN — Hark The Herald Angels Sing

2nd part:
JOHANN STRAUSS — The Blue Danube
FRANZ XAVER GRUBER — Silent Night
IRVING BERLIN — White Christmas
JOHN LENNON — War Is Over
JULE STYNE — Let It Snow
ARCANGELO CORELLI — Pastorale
Angeli Delle Campagne — traditional music
JAMES LORD PIERPONT — Jingle Bells
JOHANN STRAUSS — Radetzky March

Performance includes soprano, tenor, string quartet, and piano.

CHIESA DI SAN GIORGIO
The Church of San Giorgio is among the finest Baroque churches in Campania. This hidden gem in Salerno was originally a 9th‐century Benedictine monastery, transformed in the 17th century into an exquisite baroque church. Its interior dazzles with gilded stuccoes, frescoes, and precious decorations. Masterpieces by Andrea Sabatini da Salerno and Francesco Solimena reflect the artistry of the Neapolitan Renaissance and Baroque periods. Beneath its floor lies a hidden treasure: an ancient apse adorned with 8th‐century frescoed saints. Beyond its artistic allure, the Church of San Giorgio is prized for concerts, thanks to its superb acoustics.