Spira mirabilis Concert in San Possidonio

Spira mirabilis, the orchestra that studies together

When we talk about Spira mirabilis, we are not talking about a simple orchestra, but a true musical laboratory. Founded in 2007 by a group of young European professionals, the project has chosen Formigine, in the province of Modena, as its artistic "home." Its most notable characteristic is performing the great masterpieces of the repertoire without a conductor on the podium: the cues from the first violin, the first viola, or the oboe guide the ensemble, the result of long and meticulous collective study of the score. It is no coincidence that the ensemble itself prefers to define itself not as an orchestra that plays without a conductor, but as a group of passionate musicians who want to continue studying music together.

Music leaves the theaters and arrives in San Possidonio

The concert at the Palazzurro in San Possidonio, a municipality in the Bassa Modenese region of Emilia-Romagna, stems from the desire to bring the great romantic symphonic repertoire outside of prestigious theaters, reaching unconventional cultural and social contexts, in spaces where it is not usual to hear classical music of this caliber. This is not the first time the ensemble has returned to this area: the Palazzurro had previously hosted Spira mirabilis with Mahler's famous Fourth Symphony.

A project, not just a concert

Each Spira mirabilis project focuses on a single major work, studied in depth: the rehearsal, even more than the concert, is the heart of the work. The San Possidonio performance is part of an artistic residency that combines study, local activities, and training, with the participation of internationally renowned scholars of performance practice. The event is designed for enthusiasts but also for those who have never set foot in a concert hall, thanks to free admission.

Why it's worth it

• Listen to an award-winning European orchestra (Förderpreis Deutschlandfunk, "European Ambassador for Culture") in a small provincial town.
• Experience the unique performance of a symphony played without a conductor, where each musician is responsible for the ensemble.
• A great romantic masterpiece with free admission, subject to availability.