[Dec. 2024] On Christmas Day in Sorrento, southern Italy, the cold wind was still strong and almost everything was closed.
There was no information about the operation status of public transportation, so it was unclear.
We went for a walk to the sea, but the elevator to the water’s edge was closed.
We walked down a little, but realised that it would only take us to a dull port, so we turned back.
We went into a cafe that was open on a back street, but the non-Italian lady there was in a bad mood and it was not fun at all.
It was the worst Christmas ever.
However, in the evening, we went to a church called Chiesa della SS Annunziata, where a Christmas concert was being held.
All the churches around here have gorgeous tiled floors and a lot of marble, but the ceilings are simple with painted boards.
The concert was free.
Considering that, it was surprisingly professional.
The string orchestra, including a guest from the Teatro San Carlo in Naples, played some short pieces by the Baroque composer Corelli.
Wind instruments also joined in for Mozart’s Violin and Viola Concerto K364.
For a free Christmas concert for the general public, the selection of music was somewhat advanced.
The performance was excellent and well worth listening to.
The second half was a little more casual, with the two daughters of the violinists in the orchestra each performing on the violin.
The older one played a piece by Massenet, and it was a very emotional performance.
The younger one is said to be only 8 years old.
My husband said that it seems that their mother is Japanese.
Indeed, the older one’s name was “Ai,” which can be Japanese.
Afterwards, a soprano singer performed a medley of Christmas songs, livening up the venue.
She had a beautiful voice that came out effortlessly.
The church was, of course, full to capacity.
There were even some people who stood and listen.
It was much more authentic and satisfying than the concerts we went to in Dubrovnik, Croatia a few years ago, for which we paid quite a bit.
All’s well that ends well.
Thanks to the concert, we had a very good Christmas after all.
