And so, after a week spent at the computer, I decided to go – for the first time in my life – to a classical chamber music concert. Yes, me, who has always had an instinctive rejection to the very word “classical.” I’ve never hated it entirely, but let’s say it was not even remotely on my list of things to do in my free time.

However, sometimes, when you feel like you really need to disconnect, you want to try something completely different. Again. Something unusual. So, almost as a challenge, I decided to see what it feels like to listen to a live concert, to understand why classical music has always made me feel a bit uncomfortable.

And I dragged my friends along... accomplices in this musical ignorance.

The second evening of the Le Altre Note Festival was held at Palazzo Malacrida in Morbegno, a location that alone was worth the visit: frescoes, decorations, beauty everywhere. Title: The Magic Flute with music by Mozart.

Returning to that wonderful hall was not displeasing at all... even just to refresh my eyes once again. On stage were Stefano Parrino on flute and Francesco Parrino on violin, two great musicians I have known for a short time but who literally glued me to my seat.

The hall was packed.

The concert was dedicated to The Magic Flute by Mozart, and the narrating voice was that of Lorenzo Degl’Innocenti, a talented actor, artist, and voice actor, who skillfully intertwined the musical moments with an engaging narration, without heaviness, without excesses. While he narrated, the notes flowed from the instruments as if they were drawing the scenes in front of me. I closed my eyes and imagined, opened them, and observed the movements of the musicians, the dialogue between the hands and the sounds, and everything became clear. It wasn't necessary to “understand classical music.” It was enough to listen to it live.

A program that alternated musical pieces and the story of Tamino and Pamina, who manage to reunite in love thanks to the wise priest Sarastro, despite the adversities and the forces of evil symbolized by the Queen of the Night and Monostatos.

And that's where I had my revelation. The problem wasn't the music itself, but how I had always listened to it. From a phone, from a radio, in the background while doing something else. But no. Classical music, live, is a whole different story. It’s made of emotions that flow through you, of vibrations that hit you directly, even if you know nothing about Mozart or wind instruments. 

It's a matter of skin. Of presence.

And then there was the behind-the-scenes: I met Lorenzo, a true professional, really nice and helpful. I chatted with Francesco and Stefano, who, in addition to being musicians of the highest level, are people who know how to tell you about music with disarming simplicity. Francesco in particular told me about his precious violin, which I will write about soon.

And I also met again the mother of the Parrino brothers, a very sweet person who proudly and passionately shares and follows her children's talent.

In short, it was an evening different from the usual. Perhaps unexpected, but one of those that leaves you with a new feeling. A small personal discovery that made me understand that trying alternative experiences is good, even (and especially) when you think they are not for you.

So  if you also think that classical music is "too boring," too "slow," or simply "not your thing," do like me. 

Participate  in one of the evenings of the Festival Le Altre Note. 

There are many of them, in beautiful places, and they are organized by professionals that you don't often get to see live. 

They will open up a world made of emotions, energy, and beauty. Here’s the calendar

And maybe, just like what happened to me, you will discover that classical music… was never the problem.