Today’s meeting is with Francesco Boaron, director of the San Liberale Choir of Rustega, in the province of Padua. Maestro Boaron, who studied singing, composition, choir and orchestra conducting, participated with his own choir in the last edition of the Alta Pusteria Festival in 2019.

GOOD MORNING MASTER, LET'S START WITH THE NOW USUAL QUESTION THAT WE ASK EVERY DIRECTOR: WHAT IS YOUR MIND AT THIS MOMENT?

In this period the general mood for all of us is not the best. The desire to make music and to go back to singing together is great, but the date of a total recovery does not seem to be close. In any case, we will never abandon neither the passion for singing, nor the desire to share moments of celebration.

REGARDING THE ACTIVITY OF YOUR CHOIR, ARE YOU IN ANY WAY CONTINUING TO PERFORM REGULAR TESTS?

Unfortunately, we have now stopped since February 16, 2020, the date of the last concert performed. We performed at Christmas, but with a very small staff. We also had to postpone the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the choir.

IN THIS PERIOD, MANY PLATFORMS HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED TO CONTINUE MUSICAL ACTIVITIES ONLINE: DO YOU THINK THAT THE INTERNET CAN REPLACE LIVE CHOIR ACTIVITY?

For any choir, as well as for any musician in general, the warmth of the audience is vital. Performing without an audience, or in front of an exclusively virtual audience, is something that, pass me the term, I consider depressing, both for the performers and for the music. Personally, I consider the use of the internet and the numerous online platforms to be of little use: in a choir the moment of really being together is essential.

DO YOU THINK THAT IT WILL BE POSSIBLE TO PERFORM IN FRONT OF AN AUDIENCE IN SPRING?

As with any other business, I think that every decision must be made by evaluating the situation day by day. I believe that at this moment it is not easy to schedule concerts in spring; it is not said, however, that with a small staff it is not possible to sing in public. We must also consider that the distribution of the vaccine, hopefully fast, will greatly increase the possibility of a rapid recovery.

AND NOW, A HINT OF NOSTALGIA; WHAT MEMORY DO YOU HAVE OF YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE ALTA PUSTERIA FESTIVAL?

My choir took part in the last edition, in 2019; I must admit that for us meeting in Piazza del Magistrato, in the center of San Candido, together with thousands of choristers from all over the world was an unforgettable experience. We have really understood how much music and singing can overcome barriers and boundaries. Personally, I would add the indescribable emotion I felt in conducting Verdi's "Va Pensiero" sung by all eighty participating choirs. As soon as possible, we will definitely be back!

AND WE ARE WAITING FOR YOU WITH GREAT PLEASURE! THANKS MASTER BOARON!