From March 9th to 19th, 2024, the Italian Cultural Institute in Pretoria, in partnership with the UNISA Music Foundation, proudly hosted the Italian piano virtuoso Danilo Mascetti. Celebrated for his innovative recitals that merge classic and obscure works, Mascetti’s visit included a series of acclaimed concerts across South Africa. His illustrious career, marked by engagements with prestigious orchestras worldwide, has captivated audiences from Europe to Asia and beyond. During this tour, his performances in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Cape Town, and Hermanus showcased not only his exceptional talent but also his global reach through partnerships with notable musical entities like the Kyoto International Music Students Festival and the New York Concert Artists.

Maestro Mascetti’s South African performances took place in prestigious venues such as Northwards House, the Miriam Makeba Hall at UNISA, the Odeion Auditorium, and others, reflecting his international stature and his role in fostering cultural exchanges. His concerts were a testament to his global appeal and served to deepen the local audience’s engagement with Italian musical heritage. Mascetti’s presence highlighted the dynamic interplay between Italian and South African cultures, promoting a deeper appreciation of Italian musical traditions within the South African arts scene.

The Italian Cultural Institute in Pretoria was delighted to participate in the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, held from 15th to 18th February, featuring esteemed curator Filippo Maggia. Renowned for his management of the Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo’s historical photographic collection since 1998 and his academic contributions, Maggia’s presence brought international recognition to the fair, which is acclaimed as a pivotal cultural event on the African continent, drawing a global assembly of artists and connoisseurs.

Maggia curated the exhibition “The Ship: Hemelliggaam or The Attempt to Be Here Now” at the art fair’s Curators Program, spotlighting the synergy between astronomical science and human perception of space. The collaborative work of photographer Tommaso Fiscaletti and artist Nic Gruber, with whom Maggia has a longstanding professional rapport, offered a multimedia narrative that fused art with science. This exhibition became a focal point for art and science enthusiasts, further underlined by the fair’s agenda available on its official website, showcasing the rich intercultural exchange fostered by the Italian Cultural Institute between Italy and South Africa.

The 2024 International Clarinet Extravaganza proudly welcomed esteemed clarinettist Vincenzo Casale, in a special week-long series hosted by the Free State Symphony Orchestra of Stellenbosch, the Hugo Lambrechts School of Music in Western Cape, and traditional venues in Bloemfontein. The event, now in its eighth year, is a staple for clarinet aficionados, providing a diverse programme of performances, masterclasses, and lectures to inspire and educate.

Casale, born in 1981 and a prominent figure in historical clarinet performance, brought his wealth of experience as a celebrated European and North American soloist, chamber musician, and conductor to the festival. Serving as Professor at both the Gent Royal Conservatory and the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, his directorship at ARTONOV and his innovative artistic methods have left a global imprint. His engagements, from masterclasses to a gala concert across Bloemfontein and Cape Town, provided a rich exchange of knowledge and an appreciation of the clarinet’s heritage.