Worldwide Ocarinas

with
Aniraco Orchestra (Japan)
Ocabanda (USA)
Duo Aurachorda (Germany), with Marco Muzatti (percussions)

One of the most iconic moments of the Festival, when the ocarina—born in the heart of Budrio—embraces the entire world. From the shores of Japan, the United States, and Germany, we witness how this small clay instrument has ventured into the unknown, meeting and harmoniously blending with vastly different musical cultures, enriching itself with new shades and languages.

ANIRACO Ocarina Orchestra (JApan)

From the Land of the Rising Sun, we welcome the ANIRACO Ocarina Orchestra, founded in 2014 with the mission of revealing the immense expressive potential of the ocarina. Under the expert guidance of maestros Tatsuo Kobayashi and Riko Kobayashi, the ensemble—currently made up of 30 members, with plans to grow to a full 50—focuses constantly on synchronization and versatility. Their repertoire spans a wide range of genres, demonstrating how the ocarina, in an orchestral setting, can achieve rare levels of elegance and precision.

Ocabanda (USA)

From the United States comes the energy of Ocabanda, America’s first ocarina septet. Founded in 2017 and directly inspired by the historic groups of Budrio, the ensemble has carried Italian tradition across the Atlantic, blending it with modern influences. Their repertoire is a journey through film scores, video game music, folk melodies, and classical arrangements. Tonight’s performance will be especially emotional: after nearly a decade of music and friendship, Ocabanda has chosen the stage in Budrio for their farewell concert, completing an artistic circle that began rooted in our tradition.

Duo Aurachorda (Germany)

Representing Europe, we welcome the Duo Aurachorda, consisting of Vera Unfried and Yvonne Zehner, professors at the University of Passau. Their project combines winds and strings, creating a refined dialogue between the ocarina and string instruments. With a strong academic and performance background, Duo Aurachorda brings to the stage a sophisticated and evocative sonic exploration, also documented in their eponymous 2016 CD, showcasing the ocarina in prestigious chamber music settings.