Under the Shade of Umbria

Located in central Italy between Rome and Florence, Umbria derives its name from the ancient tribe, the Umbri.

The Umbri are one of the oldest tribes that settle central Italy in the 6th century BC.

The Umbri were invaded first by the Etruscans and later by the Romans, who established the colony of Spoletium, or Spoleto—my first stop on this trip.

Although Umbria passed from the Romans to tug-of-war between the Byzantines and Ostrogoths, the region finally fell under the rule of the Pope.

Besides Spoleto, other prominent cities of Umbria include Assisi and Perugia, where Men’s Fashion by Francesco will kick off the festival tour called Fashion Jazz, in conjunction with Varna International.

Photos Copyright Men’s Fashion by Francesco.

Spoleto & the Festival of Two Worlds

After an enjoyably long nap on Alitalia, I woke up this morning as we touched down at the Fiumicino airport in Rome.

I rushed to the rent-a-car office where I met the director of Varna International, with whom I am planning nearly a dozen choral-orchestral concerts throughout Italy next year. We, then, set out for our fist stop—Spoleto.

Spoleto is an ancient city in the Umbria region that lies on the rolling hills at the feet of the Apennine mountain range—the backbone of Italy.

Spoleto has inherited a magnificent legacy from the Romans with a Roman theatre, an ancient bridge, and an amphitheatre that is still used today.

As for modern times, Spoleto has inherited another legacy in world of music—the Festival of Two Worlds, which I have set out to explore.

Every summer since 1958, the music festival sweeps the town with the most exquisite dance, theatre, and music performances.

The Festival is the brainchild of Italian composer, Gian Carlo Menotti, who envisioned “Two Worlds” taking part in this event—one American and one European.

In 1977, Gian Carlo Menotti founded the Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, South Carolina, as counterpart and twin event to the Festival of Two Worlds.

Although Spoleto and Charleston have remained twin cities, the two festivals “twinned” only 15 years until separation.

Today with a recommendation letter from the city of Charleston, we met with the mayor and other officials of Spoleto to set into motion a grand finale at the Festival, which will also mark the 100th birthday of its founder, Menotti.

Negotiations got off to a great start! Afterwards, I took a few photos for your enjoyment. Click here.

Photos Copyright Men’s Fashion by Francesco.