On November 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Strongoli hosted the inauguration of the 5th Edition of the “Leonardo Vinci Music Academy Festival” with a refined Orchestral Concert entitled “From the Baroque to the 20th Century“.
The event featured the Senocrito Orchestra and highlighted the talent of numerous artists. On the podium were Maestro Gianfranco Russo as Conductor and Maestro Francesco Fortunato in his dual capacity: as Conductor and, as revealed in the program, as composer.
The program offered a fascinating journey through the history of classical music, ranging from the harmonies of the Baroque to the sounds of the 20th century, including music by immortal composers such as Vivaldi, Salieri, Bach, Marcello, and Gluck, as well as compositions by Francesco Fortunato.
The performance featured the brilliant participation of Giuliana Pelaggi (Soprano), Arturo Fazio (Trumpet), Antonio Santoro (Trumpet), Francesco Gugliotta (Oboe), and Giovanni Leto (Clarinet).
Maestro Francesco Fortunato held a prominent position on this opening night. In addition to conducting the orchestra alongside Maestro Russo, his inclusion among the composers performed (alongside giants such as Vivaldi and Bach) underscores his artistic importance and creative relevance. His presence as a composer and performer helps weave a common thread between centuries-old tradition and contemporary music, enriching the Festival’s repertoire with a modern sensibility.
The entire Festival, organized under the patronage of the Municipality of Strongoli, continues with two other important events: on November 30th in Cirò Marina and on December 6th, once again in Strongoli.
