Castel Gandolfo: Pope Leo XIV will be the guest of honour at a special musical evening in Castel Gandolfo on July 18, as the Diocese of Albano presents a concert celebrating his presence in the papal summer residence. The event has been organised as a gesture of affection, gratitude and spiritual closeness to Pope and is expected to bring together artists, church leaders and guests for an evening of classical music.
The concert will begin at 9 pm in the courtyard of the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, where Pope Leo XIV is expected to be present throughout the performance. The Diocese of Albano said the event is intended to express the deep bond between the local Church and the Pope during his stay in the diocesan territory. All available tickets for the concert have already been allocated, reflecting the strong interest in the occasion.
The programme will open with a performance of La Polacca from Niccolò Paganini's Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No. 3 in E major. The piece will be performed by internationally acclaimed violinist Marco Rogliano, whose performances have earned recognition on concert stages around the world.
The second part of the evening will feature pianist Rossana Tomassi Golkar performing Norma: An Immense Love Story, a free fantasy and variations for piano and orchestra based on Vincenzo Bellini's famous opera Norma. The composition is a newly created adaptation written especially for the pianist by Academy Award winning composer Luis Bacalov, offering audiences a fresh interpretation of one of the most celebrated works in the world of opera.
Accompanying the solo performances will be the 55 member orchestra I Musici di Parma under the direction of Pier Carlo Orizio. Orizio has served as artistic director of the International Piano Festival of Brescia and Bergamo since 2006 and is also a professor of orchestral conducting at the Luca Marenzio Conservatory in Brescia. His experience and leadership are expected to bring together the orchestra and soloists in a memorable performance.
The Bellini inspired composition will also include a visual presentation designed to highlight some of the most important dramatic moments from the opera. The combination of music and visual storytelling is intended to provide audiences with a richer artistic experience. The performance will be presented using a Bechstein grand piano from the prestigious Fabbrini Collection, adding another distinguished element to the evening.
Bishop Vincenzo Viva of Albano said the renewed presence of Pope Leo XIV in the diocesan territory has brought great joy to the local Church and its people. He described the concert as a heartfelt expression of welcome and communion with the Holy Father.
The bishop also thanked the many people and organisations whose support made the event possible. He expressed particular gratitude to the Banca di Credito Cooperativo dei Castelli Romani e del Tuscolo, local businesses, the participating artists, the diocesan Office for Sacred Music, the staff of the Pontifical Villas and the Prefecture of the Papal Household for their commitment and cooperation in organising the celebration.
The concert reflects the longstanding tradition of using music and culture to strengthen the relationship between the Church and the wider community. By bringing together internationally respected musicians, local supporters and the Holy Father, the Diocese of Albano hopes the evening will serve as a meaningful celebration of faith, unity and artistic excellence.
The event also highlights Castel Gandolfo's continuing role as an important place of papal hospitality and spiritual reflection. As Pope Leo XIV spends time at the historic residence, the concert offers the local faithful an opportunity to honour him through one of the Church's most cherished artistic traditions, creating an evening that combines classical music, faith and community in a unique setting.