The 10-hole ocarina was invented in 1853 by Giuseppe Donati, a native of Budrio. After creating five ocarinas of different sizes, the first ensemble was formed in 1863. This group later expanded to seven members, and from that point, it began performing in some of Europe’s most renowned theaters, presenting original compositions as well as arrangements of famous operatic works. This was the Gruppo Ocarinistico Budriese (G.O.B.).
The current G.O.B. has preserved the musical heritage of the Budrio ocarina groups, focusing particularly on those from the 1920s and 1930s led by Alfredo Barattoni. The original ensemble, created at the Budrio Ocarina School, was later joined by classical musicians. Over the years, the unmistakable pastoral sound of the ocarina ensemble has been complemented by more classical instruments, creating a repertoire for one or two ocarinas. In their concerts, the G.O.B. Soloists perform pieces where the ocarina is accompanied by piano, string quartet, or baroque orchestra.
The G.O.B. has been active for many years, performing over 1,000 concerts both in Italy and abroad. The group has released numerous CDs and DVDs. Some of their major tours include: Australia (1987, 1996, 2000), Cuba (1989), Argentina (1990), Chile (1990, 1999), Venezuela (1991), the USA (1994), South Korea (2010, 2012, 2014), China (2014, with a concert at the prestigious National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing), and Japan (2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), as well as various performances across Europe.
Recently, the G.O.B. has been featured on Radio3 (2014), RSI (Swiss Radio, 2014), and WDR (Germany, 2015). In 2019, they performed at the Ravello Festival, and in 2020, at the Macerata Sferisterio for Musicultura. Their sixth tour of Japan is planned for August 2024.
G. Rossini – Figaro Cavatina from Barber of Seville
G. Verdi – Triumphal March from Aida
AA VV – Napolincanto
A. Piazzolla – Piazzolla Suite
E. Morricone – Cinema Paradiso
D. Bruneck – Take Five
J. Hisaishi – Ghibli Suite
The Youth Symphony Orchestra was founded from the extensive experience of the “Il Temporale” Music School and the “Musica da Camera” International Festival at Bentivoglio Castle.
The orchestra formation workshop, led by Emiliano Bernagozzi, involves students from the “Il Temporale” Music School and is open to all young people studying music.
Today, the Youth Orchestra consists of 40 members aged 13 and over. In 2016, it won the International “Rossini” Competition in Pesaro. The orchestra has also toured the Czech Republic in 2016 and Irpinia in 2017, with the tour culminating in a performance of Vivaldi’s Gloria at the Royal Palace of Caserta.
Corelli / Barbirolli – Oboe and Orchestra concert arr. for ocarina and bows by Emiliano Bernagozzi
Prelude-Allemande-Sarabande-Gavotta-Giga,
Solo ocarina Giulio Boccaletti
Antonio Vivaldi – Concert in A-minor RV462 arr. for ocarina and orchestra by Emiliano Bernagozzi
Allegro-Adagio-Allegro
Solo ocarina Emiliano Bernagozzi
Daniel Hellbach – Koncert for Ocarina
Allegro-Andante-Vivo
Solo ocarina Ayako Yamada (Winner of Ocarina Rave Competition in 2023)
Concert bookers can enjoy an ocarina-themed brunch at Butcher’s 8 Hamburgeria & Birreria, with an exclusive 10% discount. This offer is available for lunch only on April 13th, upon presentation of your Eventbrite booking.