For the first time in more than a year, the signs of recovery coming from many parts make us hope that the world of choralism may be close to a new rebirth.

Although partial restrictions on public concert activities are still in place in many areas, we must recognize that many choral groups are organizing their first concerts where possible: it is an extraordinarily positive sign for the restart of a world that, probably, was among those most penalized.

In this context, I believe that we can look forward to 2022 with optimism: it could truly be the year of a new choral rebirth.

And by rebirth, of course, I mean the possibility of performing real concerts, without any kind of "if" and "but": real audience, real tension, real drops of sweat, real final smile of the master, real applause...

Honestly, I understand how much the use of the internet has been decisive, if not even vital, over the last year: probably the possibility of meeting online has allowed the survival of many choral realities. However, it is very difficult for me to accept the very sad idea that, in the near future, a choir must definitively transform itself into an electronic screen on which thirty mugshots appear singing!

Good luck and good recovery to all,

See you soon

Stefano Gentili

Festival director