

Virtuoso mandolinist Avi Avital will arrive in Bratislava with his ensemble Between Worlds, which he founded in 2023 with the aim of exploring and discovering the intersections of classical, folk, and traditional music from different regions of the world. One of their first projects is the program Italy, dedicated to music from Italy — primarily from the southern part of the Apennine Peninsula — and the influences that have shaped it in both historical and contemporary contexts. “I’m thrilled to return to Bratislava and perform for an audience that holds a special place in my heart — this time with the most ambitious project I’ve created to date. Between Worlds brings together a rich mixture of musical languages and traditions, woven with emotion and energy — a truly electrifying experience,” said Avi Avital. The concert’s special guest will be the outstanding Italian world music singer Alessia Tondo. “I’m so proud of this opportunity to share this prestigious stage with a very special ensemble directed by amazing Maestro Avi Avital. I will try to bring with me all the warmth belonging to the popular music of my land in south of Italy, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. It will be a very special concert full of energy,” added Alessia.
The rich program will feature traditional songs, passionate tarantellas, lively dances, and also famous classical works inspired by traditional Italian melodies and rhythms. Alongside the traditional music, the evening will also include works by the Neapolitan Baroque composer Emanuele Barbella, selections from Italian Suite by Igor Stravinsky, and a fascinating example of the Baroque ritornello form in Giuseppe Torelli’s Concerto Grosso in G minor No. 6, Op. 8. The result is a vibrant celebration of musical diversity: old and new, classical and traditional, local and universal. As audiences enjoy the beauty of the music, they are invited to uncover hidden corners, make subtle connections, and reimagine our shared sense of belonging across the world.
Performers
Between Worlds
Avi Avital / music direction & mandolin
Simos Papanas / violin
Davide Dalpiaz / violin
Jenny Anschel / viola
Jakob Nierenz / cello
Uxía Martínez-Botana / double bass
Gilad Harel / clarinet
Alex Sopp / flute
Louise Grandjean / harp
Itamar Doari / percussions
Special guests:
Alessia Tondo / singer
Luca Tarantino / guitar, theorbo
Program
Trad. Pugliese
Aria de li traineiri
Trad. Pugliese / arr. David Bruce (*1970)
Tarantella di Sannicandro
Emanuele Barbella (1718–1777)
Ballo di doppio carattere fatto per Pulcinella e Coviello (Duetto)
Igor Stravinsky (1882–1971) / arr. Nicola Segatta (*1982)
Serenata & Tarantella from Suite Italienne
Trad. Pugliese
Pizzica di Aradeo
Giuseppe Torelli (1658–1709)
Concerto Grosso in G Minor Op. 8 No. 6
Trad. Pugliese / arr. David Bruce (*1970)
Na na na
Giovanni Sollima (*1962)
Federico II from Viaggio in Italia
* * *
Emanuele Barbella
Mandolin Concerto in D Major
Trad. Greek / arr. Simos Papanas (*1979)
Evga Mana mou
Pusnitsa
Nicola Segatta
Il mare colore del vino
Trad. Pugliese
Pizzica di Galatone
Trad. Pugliese / arr. Nicola Segatta
Tarantella del Gargano
Trad. Sicilian / arr. David Bruce
Virrinedda
Trad. Greek / arr. Antonis Sousamoglou
Raiko
Trad. Pugliese / arr. Nicola Segatta
Beddah ci Dormi
Foto © Christoph Köstlin
We reserve the right to change the programme and performers.