30 May 2026
A tribute to the 50th Anniversary of the Friuli Earthquake
Born from a long-standing friendship and professional collaboration between the legendary trumpeter and composer Kenny Wheeler (1930–2014) and the Friulian jazz pianist Glauco Venier, this project originated during one of Wheeler’s visits to Friuli. The great Canadian musician composed eight musical pieces based on Biblical Psalms, entrusted to Venier, who—12 years after Wheeler’s passing—is now reviving them to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Friuli Earthquake.
To honor this historic milestone, Maestro Venier has undertaken a major work of adaptation and revision of Wheeler’s Oratorio, allowing this extraordinary music to receive its world premiere. He has assembled a prestigious ensemble of solo voices, exceptional jazz instrumentalists, and a prominent choir for an intense period of preparation, culminating in two performances in iconic locations of the region: the Duomo of Venzone and Villa Manin in Passariano.
This artistic endeavor has been significantly bolstered by the Royal Academy of Music in London (home to Wheeler’s complete archives), which provided essential expertise and materials. The support of the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia (Civil Protection) and the Association of Earthquake-Stricken Municipalities and Mayors of the Reconstruction, along with numerous partners including the Ministry of Culture and the Fondazione Friuli, will allow this work to offer a powerful emotional tribute—honoring the memory of the one thousand victims of the tragedy and celebrating the reconstruction that saw a new Friuli reborn fifty years ago.
The Ensemble
An ensemble of the highest prestige will perform under the direction of Maestro Valter Sivilotti (composer, pianist, and conductor of renowned classical, jazz, and pop projects).
Narrator: Fabiano Fantini
Vocals: The legendary Norma Winstone (a British icon of European jazz since the 1970s) alongside the sensitive singer-songwriter Cristina Renzetti.
Choir: The Odhecaton vocal ensemble, a reference point for choral music in Northern Italy.
Jazz Ensemble:
Daniele Richiedei: Electric violin
Nick Smart & Paolo Fresu: Flugelhorn (Fresu appearing only on May 30th)
Alfonso Deidda: Baritone sax
Marcello Allulli: Soprano sax
Giovanni Hoffer: French horn
Glauco Benedetti: Tuba
Glauco Venier & Giulio Scaramella: Piano
Riccardo Chiarion: Guitar
Alessio Zoratto: Double bass
Alessandro Paternesi: Percussion
Performance Schedule
Free admission with reservation.
Thursday, May 28th – 8:30 PM Duomo di Venzone Book your seat on Eventbrite
Saturday, May 30th – 7:00 PM Villa Manin, Passariano di Codroipo (In case of bad weather, the event will be held at the Teatro Benois De Cecco) Book your seat on Eventbrite
Produced by: Euritmica Associazione Culturale – Udine. With the support of: Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia (Departments of Culture, Health, and Civil Protection), Association of Earthquake-Stricken Municipalities and Mayors of the Reconstruction, MIC Ministry of Culture, and Fondazione Friuli. In collaboration with: Municipalities of Venzone, Gemona del Friuli, and Codroipo; Royal Academy of Music (London); J. Tomadini Conservatory of Udine; ERPAC FVG; “Tiere Motus” Museum; and the Parish of Sant’Andrea Apostolo in Venzone. Corporate support: Idea Prototipi s.r.l., Pre System S.p.A., and Spazio Villalta.