Soprano Denia Gavazzeni Mazzola and the Ab Harmoniae ETS association will present a series of concerts and cultural events across Italy marking the 30th anniversary of conductor and composer Gianandrea Gavazzeni’s death.

While Gavazzeni is widely remembered as one of the foremost conductors of the twentieth century and a central figure in the revival of Gaetano Donizetti, the project aims to draw attention to his lesser-known work as a composer. Between 1926 and 1946, Gavazzeni produced symphonic, chamber, and religious music characterized by tonal refinement and spiritual depth, a body of work largely set aside by the composer himself and only rediscovered in the 1990s.

Gavazzeni Mazzola, the Maestro’s widow, will perform his vocal and instrumental compositions throughout the anniversary season alongside the Ab Harmoniae Chamber Orchestra conducted by Pieralberto Cattaneo.

Among the highlights is a participation in the Scrinium-Venice exhibition project dedicated to Saint Francis, in which Gavazzeni’s compositions will accompany a figurative journey through the exhibition. Additional concerts are scheduled in Bergamo, Mantua, and Noto.

The Bergamo events, held at the Astino Monumental Complex, include a June 27 program of Liszt and Schumann settings of Dante and Petrarch sonnets, and a July 5 concert featuring young prize-winning musicians. From July 12 to 20, Gavazzeni Mazzola will serve as teacher and jury member at an international competition and workshop in Noto.

Gavazzeni, who died in 1996, was a student of Ildebrando Pizzetti and spent much of his career at Teatro alla Scala. He was also an active essayist and critic, and referred to himself ironically as an “advocate of lost causes” for his commitment to neglected repertoire.

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