Interview published in La Nuova Ferrara
by Samuele Govoni
the full article is available on La Nuova Ferrara
Ferrara
Third and final event of “La musica dona emozioni”, a concert series held at Teatro Abbado in Ferrara in support of Fondazione Ado. Alongside the Cherubini Orchestra of Ravenna, permanently on stage, soloists such as Giovanni Sollima and Simone Zanchini alternated throughout the series; the final guest is Flavio Boltro.
The concert, scheduled for Thursday at 8:30 pm, features arrangements by Andrea Ravizza, composer and conductor, who explains how the project came into being.
Jazz quartet and orchestra: what kind of concert will it be?
“Bringing together the worlds of orchestra and jazz is one of my greatest passions. The resulting sound is warm, colorful and constantly shifting, a continuous explosion of different timbres. The energy of Flavio Boltro and the jazz trio ((Fabio Giachino, Stefano Senni and Enzo Zirilli)) will be embraced by the luminous halo created by the orchestra.”
What repertoire will be performed?
“There will be jazz reinterpretations of iconic classical pieces, such as ‘O mio Babbino caro’ from Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, Italian songs like ‘E la chiamano estate’ by Bruno Martino, and original compositions by Flavio Boltro. In addition, a world premiere: ‘Smooth’, a piece I composed especially for this occasion.”
What does it mean to work on arrangements?
“Every musical genre has its own traditions and rules, like different dialects of the same language: music. I tried to integrate all elements and instruments, respecting the identity of each while finding common ground, and leaving ample space for improvisation.”
How would you describe the upcoming concert?
“A wonderful opportunity to unite different musical worlds and to hear Flavio Boltro surrounded by unconventional sonorities. It is a multi-layered experience, where his strong personality stands out against the solid rhythmic section and richly shaded brass.”
Have you known Boltro for a long time?
“I first met him in 2017 while arranging and conducting a concert with the Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della Rai at the Moncalieri Jazz Festival. The musical connection was immediate and truly magical.”
How did your passion for music begin?
“I have loved music since childhood. After experiences as a pianist and arranger, and earning my degree in Composition, I chose—together with my partner Carola Cora—to make music our entire life and world.”