This morning I took a morning stroll outside the town, which is surrounded by olive groves and trulli – single story, stone built dwellings, with strangely shaped pointed roofs, excellently adapted to protect against the heat of the Mediterranean sun. The earth in this region has a rich brown color, which along with the hot summers, provides ideal growing conditions for the fresh fruit, which can be bought in the local markets.

During the afternoon I enjoyed a pleasant hour interviewing the charming mezzo, Raffaella Lupinacci, quizzing her about the festival here in Martina Franca, her role as Romeo in Vaccaj’s opera, her career to date and her future ambitions.

Over the past couple of days, there have been rumors that Cher and other celebrities would be attending the performance of Handel’s “Rinaldo” at the Palazzo Ducale, rumors that I, of course, immediately discounted. Yet to my surprise, she was, indeed present, as was Cyndi Lauper! Present on the stage that is, along with Elton John, Freddie Mercury and other pop stars, because this production of “Rinaldo” has been updated and modified. Armide (Cher), was played by the fabulous soprano, who on this coming Tuesday will receive the XLI “Bacco Dei Borboni” prize, awarded to the most popular artist at the festival.

In fact, tomorrow, I have the opportunity to interview Carmela, before attending the “Concerto per lo Spirito,” which includes Rossini’s “Messa” and Testoni’s “Trè prezzo sacri,” and will feature the countertenor, Raffaele Pè, the outstanding performer in the festival’s production of “Il trionfo dell’onore” by Alessandro Scarlatti.