Saturday 4 July & 5 July 2026 at Strathfield Town Hall

Viva l’Italia

Tour the best of Italy through time and space – the best of Italian inspired Cinema – The Godfather, with the music of Morricone (Gabriel’s Oboe, The Good, the bad & the ugly, Once upon a time in the West) topped off by a fabulous up and coming Viola virtuoso, Estelle Gilmovich performing Berlioz Harold in Italy.

Program Highlights:

• Morricone – Gabriel’s Oboe, Once upon a Time in the West, The Good, The Bad & The Ugly : Morricone’s iconic scores, including Gabriel’s Oboe (1986), Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), and The Good, The Bad & The Ugly (1966), showcase the Italian composer’s unique genius. All three utilize evocative, unconventional instrumentation—like the oboe, harmonica, and whistling—to define the drama and vast scope of their films, creating some of cinema’s most unforgettable music.
• Rota – The Godfather orchestral suite : Nino Rota’s evocative suite captures the drama of the Corleone saga. It features the haunting “Godfather Waltz” and the lyrical “Love Theme,” which use Italian folk instrumentation like the mandolin and accordion. The music masterfully balances nostalgia, familial warmth, and the dark undercurrent of power.
• Berlioz – Harold in Italy: a four-movement symphony with a solo viola representing the traveler, Harold (inspired by Byron). It reflects Berlioz’s own impressions while in Italy, with programmatic titles like “March of the Pilgrims.” The viola’s recurring idée fixe narrates the journey, but avoids the virtuosity of a traditional concerto.

Program:

Morricone – Gabriel’s Oboe, Once upon a Time in the West, The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Rota – The Godfather orchestral suite
Berlioz – Harold in Italy