Scotland wins second prize and Poland comes in third

The 10th International Festival of Musical Bands closed last night in Giulianova in a very festive atmosphere. The mayor of Giulianova, Francesco Mastromauro, the Provincial advisor, Flaviano Montebello and Mauro Trapaini, the Director of Rai Tre Abruzzo were on hand to present the awards in the splendid Piazza Buozzi which was filled to overflowing with an enthusiastic audience.

The success of the 10th annual event demonstrated once again appreciation for the undertaking and the great organization on the part of the Cultural Association “Padre Candido Donatelli”.

The bronze plaque donated by the President of the Republic went to the City Band of Scutari from Albania who won First Prize for their excellent musical preparation and the emphasis of the group focusing on the great tradition of band music. The history of this band underscores the ancient bonds between Italy and Albania. In fact, The City Band was first formed in 1878 by an Italian, the famous poet and musician, Giovanni Canale from Naples.

The second place trophy, offered by the Abruzzo Region went to the Bedford Pipe Band from Scotland, a group which garnered the applause of the technical jury and the public for the meticulous performances of the 25 pipers and 5 percussionists.

The cup donated by the Province of Teramo for third place winners was assigned to the Young Marine Orchestra of Poland which proposed a repertoire of both traditional classic and popular music enhanced with stunning choreography. It is no surprise that the band also won the prize for Best Choreography.

The Philharmonic Lama of Perugia took the prize for the Best Italian Band.

The award for the Best Parade Band went to the Fanfara Città dei Mille whose exhibition was accompanied by the Majorettes Compatrum from Rome.

But the band which won over the hearts of the public was Etnik 97 who recreated the extraordinary atmosphere of Caribbean carnivals.

The group, directed by Marie-Catherine Fardin Vanitou, herself an extraordinary woman, won the Popular Jury Prize, the Journalists’ Prize, the prize for Best Costumes and, one of the girls in the dance group was chosen Miss Festival 2009. The band enchanted everyone with its great rhythm but also for the professionalism and preparation of all the band members who have performed for many years in theater shows telling the story of the Antilles through music and dance.

Fourth places, all equally deserving, went to Hungary, the Czech Republic, the Bersaglieri Enrico Toti from Teramo, the Association Lama from Perugia, the Fanfara Città dei Mille and Majorettes Compatrum.

The members of the jury were: Renato Soglia, composer of band music and author of didactic texts published by Ricordi Milano and Fabbri school RCS Milano; Carlo Monguzzi, President of Anbima; Prof. Nicola Mariani, member of the National Artistic Commission-Anbima; Maestro Corrado Lambona from the Orchestra Italiana di Fiati Accademia 2008; Antonio Botticchio, regional president of Anbima; Giovanni Gasbarrini, President of the European Society of Gastroenterology and passionate fan of band music; Gaetano Delogu, Director of the Orchestra of Prague; the singer, Dora Moroni and the stylist, Loris.

Until next year’s Festival
May 27 to May 30, 2010