Organ and Flute Concert – Duo Rainelli-Olzer

A concert in the Walser mountains of Valsesia

The Organ and Flute Concert by the Duo Rainelli-Olzer is a musical event held in the Church of San Giovanni Battista, in the village of Rima, part of the municipality of Alto Sermenza, in the upper Valsesia (Province of Vercelli, Piedmont). In a charming alpine setting at over 1,400 meters above sea level, the dialogue between the organ and the flute offers an intimate and highly evocative listening experience, highlighting the village's historical and religious heritage.

The Duo Rainelli-Olzer and the program

The star of the evening is the Duo Rainelli-Olzer, offering a repertoire that bridges great tradition with more contemporary music. The program spans different eras and styles, featuring works by:

• Francesco Maria Veracini and the Baroque repertoire
• Ennio Morricone, master of film music
• Astor Piazzolla and the nuevo tango
• Hans Zimmer and Vangelis, among the most famous film composers
• Giulio Briccialdi and Giuseppe Morlacchi, historical authors for the flute
• Nino Rota, the unmistakable voice of Italian cinema

The combination of Baroque pieces, virtuosic flute passages, and famous cinematic themes makes the concert accessible and engaging, suitable for both classical music enthusiasts and those seeking a unique cultural experience during a mountain getaway.

Rima, an ancient Walser colony

The event is also an opportunity to discover Rima, one of the most characteristic Walser villages in Valsesia. Founded in the late Middle Ages by Walser settlers from the nearby Alagna side, the village is famous for the art of artificial marble (scagliola), which led local masters to work in courts across Europe between the 19th and 20th centuries. As a testament to this tradition, the village houses the Museum of Artificial Marble and the "Pietro Della Vedova" Gipsoteca. The Church of San Giovanni Battista, with its artworks, is itself a precious example of this artistic heritage.

An event to experience

Promoted by local cultural life and regional associations, including the Pro Loco of Rima, the concert is part of the vibrant summer event season in Valsesia and Upper Piedmont. Admission is by voluntary donation: a simple and authentic opportunity to combine music, mountains, and Walser culture in the municipality of Alto Sermenza.