The sun-speckled back-roads and vineyards of Tuscany. Puccini’s operas. Venice’s romance, embodied as a gondolier navigates his awe-struck passengers through the quiet canals. The buzzing of Vespas in cosmopolitan Rome. Milan’s world-renowned opera house, La Scala. The rugged beauty of the Cinque Terre, on the Italian Riviera. Gregorian chant heard within the Romanesque abbey of Sant’ Antimo. The sparkling coastline of the Amalfi Coast. A moonlit outdoor summer concert shared by an inspired audience. Assisi’s imposing Basilica of St. Francis, set high on the rolling hills of Umbria. The lush citrus orchards that dot the interior of Sicily. The intense eyes of Michelangelo’s masterpiece David, gazing over the Uffizi gallery in Florence. An extraordinary wealth of art, culture, architecture, food, history, and music…This is Italy. The spirit and beauty of this country are not only to be dreamt about, they are to be touched, smelled, tasted and heard firsthand. Let Maestro by Tumlare take you there, where you can be a part of la dolce vita.
In focus, the distinct reputation of the Stradivarius brings us to the city of Cremona, situated in the northern Italian region of Lombardy on the bank of the River Po. Cremona is well renowned for its luthiers and musical traditions, and makes for a perfect destination for any fan of stringed instruments.
Your visit begins with a guided walking tour where you will learn of the city’s significant contributions to music. Celebrated as a center of instrument manufacture, Cremona’s history features the violins of the Amati, Guarneri and Stradivari families. Beginning in Autumn of 2012, you can be one of the first to visit their newly formed Museum featuring the current collections of the Stradivari Museum (including tools and patterns from his workshop), and Hall of Violins at the Palazzo Communale (these instruments from the golden age were made to be heard, and there is the opportunity to hear a short recital given by a local musician who will play one of these rare instruments for your pleasure).
Further exploration will highlight the birthplace of Monteverdi, and the 12th century Duomo di Cremona; it was here that the innovative composer first learned about music as a member of the choir. The cathedral also features the notable Torrazzo, Cremona’s symbolic bell tower housing the largest medieval astronomical clock in Europe. Climb the tallest campanile in Italy, allowing for tremendous views of the city and beyond. You will also be a guest at local violin makers’ shops to learn the creative process of violin making, and how the traditional tools and fabrications are still utilized today.
Performance opportunities abound, and include the chance to exchange with local music schools for master classes and joint concerts. The Teatro Communale Ponchielli has stood for more than 250 years as the center of opera and other musical presentations for the Cremonese, and is but one venue the city has to offer; there are a wealth of squares, churches and stages to host your ensemble’s performances.
Cremona is also home to some of the best local markets, including those that abound around Piazza Stradivari. A bottle of Mostardo di Cremona would make a great keepsake, or accompaniment to a picnic of Lombardy’s stracchino and salami!
