By Simone Bandini
We tell you, through the voice of their protagonists, about three events in spring and early summer in Torrita di Siena. Three important opportunities to get to know the village, its ancient history and the artistic liveliness of its citizens: ‘Il Borgo dei Libri’ (24,25 May), ‘Fermento’ (14,15 June) and ‘Torrita Blues’ (26,27,28 June).
So, let’s start with Natascia Volpi, Councillor for Culture of the Municipality of Torrita, who tells us about the ‘Village of Books’.
VALLEY LIFE.: Where does “Il Borgo dei Libri” take place and what can we expect from a visit to the exhibition?
NATASCIA VOLPI: The Village of Books takes place in Torrita di Siena within the small village of the historic centre. The event brings together booksellers, publishing houses, authors and exhibitors who are located with their stalls along the streets and the square of the Historic Centre; In addition, during the 2-day event (24,25 May), there will be presentations of books by more or less well-known authors, as well as workshops and readings for children and young people – and an exhibition of works made by the children of the Istituto Comprensivo, inspired by readings carried out at school.
V.L.: Printed paper in the digital age. What fascination do beloved books and ‘sweaty papers’ still exert in our days?
N.V.: Printed paper always has its charm and remains an important material source and tangible element of culture; It is our duty not to be “overwhelmed” by digitization, but rather to use it as a useful tool for progress. After all, despite everything, the numerous “signings” in which the guest authors participate with enthusiasm, are testimony to how the printed book is still the preferred format for readers. Wandering among the exhibitors, you can find both old prints and latest books, but also stands where the authors themselves tell about their books that fascinate readers.
V.L.: What importance is given to children’s literature?
N.V.: The Borgo dei Libri gives a lot of importance to reading for children: just think that every year €5.00 vouchers are distributed – to be spent during the event – to all the boys and girls who attend our schools: from kindergarten to eighth grade.
V.L.: Just ‘literature’ or also something else at the Borgo dei Libri? I’ve heard of food stands…
N.V.: The main event is dedicated to reading and books, but the food stands will allow visitors to spend the whole day in Torrita, thus participating in both the morning and afternoon initiatives.
We continue with the new event ‘Fermento’, a very interesting new event for local dairy and brewing productions. We talk to the manager Bruna Caira, director of Torrita di Siena Living.
VALLEY LIFE: Where the new “Fermento” event starts. And when will it be held?
BRUNA CAIRA: The “Fermento” event was born with the intention of celebrating one of the most fascinating and appreciated gastronomic combinations: the one between beer and cheese. By combining these two mutually enriching worlds, the event aims to create a unique experience for all enthusiasts and for those who want to discover new combinations. “Fermento” is not limited to just a simple tasting, but is proposed as a real sensory journey, in which participants will have the opportunity to savour different combinations of beer and cheese. The event will be held on June 14 and 15 in the historic centre of Torrita di Siena.
V.L.: Beer and cheese, a popular combination.
B.C.: In recent years, the pairing of beer and cheese has gained increasing popularity, turning into a real gastronomic trend. In this context, an event like “Fermento” will give the opportunity to explore new combinations and discover the perfect matching, but also to learn from experts in the field how to optimize these combinations to maximize the characteristics of both products.
V.L.: What involvement will there be of local producers? Is the Valdichiana area devoted to this type of production?
B.C.: Yes, there will be a strong involvement of local producers and beyond, who will have the opportunity to enhance their work and offer participants new combinations of beer and cheese. The Sienese Valdichiana, with its territory rich in traditions and local productions, is particularly suitable for hosting a meeting between these two productions.
V.L.: What can we expect then, walking around the event?
B.C.: Saturday evening will offer an itinerant tasting along the central street of the historic centre of Torrita di Siena and Piazza Matteotti. Participants will be able to enjoy different combinations of beer and cheese. There will also be side activities such as live music. On Sunday, however, a guided tasting will be organized with one of the leading experts in the sector, accompanied by a talk and a tasting by reservation.
And finally we talk with Luca Romani, President and Artistic Director of the ‘Torrita Blues Festival’.
VALLEY LIFE: If I’m not mistaken, this year we are at the 37th edition of “Torrita Blues Festival”. A historic event for the town and an event still full of energy. True?
LUCA ROMANI: Yes! We are now an unmissable event for fans of this musical genre. In recent years we have hosted over three hundred artists, both Italian and international; we are musically twinned with New Orleans and we are part of both the Blues Foundation (an international association) and the European Blues Union. We are considered among the most important festivals on the Italian and European scene, so much so that Torrita is known today, all over the world, also for the Torrita Blues Festival; In fact, we have been included in the program of world festivals for years now.
V.L.: Tell us about this year’s edition…
L.R.: The Festival will be divided into three evenings: June 26, 27, and 28. On Thursday 26 we will open with the traditional “blues dinner” in Piazza Matteotti, in the historic centre of Torrita, where the participants will be cheered by the winning groups of the “Effetto Blues” review; selection in which groups from all over Italy participate. On Friday 27th “Carlo Poddighe” will perform, a very talented one-man band that I am sure will surprise the audience with its skill; followed by the great American band “The King of Blues” composed of some of the most important artists on the American scene; On Saturday 28 Federico Zampaglione of Tiromancino will begin the evening accompanied on keyboards by Mario Donatone; afterwards we will pay homage to Pino Daniele by hosting the historical musicians who accompanied him during his career in the “Blues for Pino” project. Also on Saturday we will hold a conference to remember the figure of this great musician, 10 years after his death.
V.L.: What connection do you have with blues music – and who are your favourite bands in Italy and internationally?
L.R.: My passion and I would say the great love for the blues was born in the 60s / 70s, listening to the groups of those years: Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, The Doors and the Rolling Stones… I didn’t understand why they weren’t the authors of many of their songs; so, I went looking for them and discovered the Blues, which bewitched me! The artists I prefer, in addition to those already mentioned, are the greats of the Blues: Muddy Waters, BB King, Steve Ray Vaughan, JJ Cale and among the Italians Treves Blues Band, Roberto Ciotti and Pino Daniele.
V.L.: A ‘forbidden’ dream: who would you like to bring to Torrita Blues?
L.R.: The greatest desire is to bring Buddy Guy and Joe Bonamassa to Torrita Blues.
Info: For more details about programs please visit www.torritadisienaliving.it or social networks: Instagram and Facebook. Write to info@torritadisienaliving.it – Tel. 0578717484 / 388 6525977