The province of Teramo has some of the oldest and most beautiful Benedictine Abbeys in Abruzzo, located in the quiet, verdant foothills of the Vomano and Mavone valleys, each with their own enchanting view.  The historic role and influence of these Abbeys (Valle delle Abbazie) on the economic development of Teramo cannot be overstated; without them the countryside would look very different, its dishes and wines less important, its people with fewer tools to hand and less community spirit when facing a struggle.

Our Heritage – Where the Past Meets the Future

Four years ago five of these masterpieces of architecture & design became host to a series of intimate classical musical concerts for up to thirty people, organised by the Luzmek collective. The ten concerts held in 2018 were a part of the European Year of Cultural Heritage and its remit to identify the common roots and connected history that threads together to define the European identity.

The Luzmek musical director & maestro Carlo Michini creates immersive musical experiences that aurally encourage the audience to discover how St Benedict softened the Europe of the Middle Ages through cultivation, arts and study that would go on to become the foundations that helped oppose rivalry, struggle and oppression.  At each concert there is an opportunity to enjoy a guided historical tour of the abbey and taste superb local 0 km produce from the surrounding farms and producers.

WIN Tickets!

We have two pairs of tickets to give away to two of these enchanting evenings, where you can listen to great music in incredible locations as well as enjoy a tour of the abbey and sample fantastic locally-produced foods and wine.  To enter simply ‘Like’ this post on Facebook or Instagram and tell us which date you would prefer to attend.  We will pick the winners on Thursday 30th August at noon and contact the winners via a direct mail.

Sunday 2nd September, Santa Maria di Ronzano, Castel Castagna

Beethoven, Schubert, Liszt

Alessio Cioni, Piano

Enjoy a night at the 12th century Abbey, Santa Maria di Ronzano that is Romanesque Pugliese in style  and considered one of Abruzzo’s true jewels with the oldest  mosaic  fresco painting cycle.  It is surrounded by greenery and has awe inspiring views of the Corno Grande and Gran Sasso.

Music for the evening will be performed by piano prodigy Alessio Cioni, a  daredevil concert of virtuosity and infinite melodic openings from the works of  Beethoven, Schubert and Liszt that move  between dream and reality, a monumental concert where nothing is impossible.

Arrival is 18.30 for the tour, local salami, cheese and wine tasting followed by the recital

Price – €35 , BUY TICKETS

Address: (Click here for directions), Abbazia Santa Maria di Ronzano, SP37b, 64030 Castel Castagna TE

Friday 7th September, Santa Maria di Propezzano Abbey, Moro d’Oro

France: Romance, Impressionism & Art Nouveau

Mariarosaria D’Aprile, Violin and Tommaso Cogato, Piano

A stunning musical evening  hosted in the 13th century Abbey of Santa Maria di Propezzano that preserves, in addition to the church, the ancient Benedictine cloister and part of the convent that today is home to the “Abbazia di Propezzano” winery.

This cultural mix of music, art and flavours  begins with a tour of the abbey followed by an aperitivo at the local olive mill, Oleifico Montecchia to sample the incredible indigenous olive oil.  Maria Rosaria D’Aprile and Tommaso Coagto will give a startling sensory performance that dips between Romanticism, Impressionism and Art Noveau.

(Click here for directions) Abbazia di Santa Maria di Propezzano, Via Cona, 64024 Notaresco

Price: €35, BUY TICKETS

Arrival is 18.30 for the tour & aperitivo followed by the intimate concert

2018 Programme Valle delle Abbazie Concerts

The Valle Delle Abbazie Locations | Visit website

#Europeforculture #Patrimonio2018 #Sharingheritage

Author: Sam Dunham

Sam is a very lucky midlife Mum to A who is 13 and juggles working as a freelance SEO copywriter with teaching IGCSEs at Istituto Cristo Re in Rome. She is the founder of the Life In Abruzzo Cultural Association, co-founder of Let's Blog Abruzzo and the 'English in the Woods' initiative.