16th June 2018: Second edition of “Vissi d’arte sulle ali del grifo”, a fund-raising Gala Evening at Castello Grifeo in Partanna, Sicily.

Castello Grifeo in Partanna (Sicily)

On Saturday 16th June 2018, as promised two years ago, Prince Giuseppe Grifeo di Partanna decided to gather some friends once again in the Castle of his ancestors in Partanna, Sicily. Thanks to Dottore Domenico de Gennaro and the “Il MedioEvo” Association, the funds reunited in occasion of this Gala Dinner will be used to restore two wonderful masterpieces of Sicilian XVIIIth Century.

An overview of the Gala Dinner on 16th June 2018 at Castello Grifeo in Partanna (Sicily)

 

Marquis Vincenzo Grisostomi Travaglini and His Highness Prince Sisowath Ravivaddhana Monipong, in a fraternal embrace with Prince Giuseppe Grifeo di Partanna

Before dinner, Prince Giuseppe Grifeo di Partanna invited Maestro Vincenzo Marrone d’Alberti, togetehr with his talented young student, Maesto Luca Lione to play romantic pieces of Chopin, Lizst and Brahms and my emotion was at its utmost level, when  I heard the notes of Ravel’s “Ma Mère l’Oye”, a surprise for Prince Grifeo (who particularly appreciates this piece of music) but also for me, as Ravel composed it right after attending the performance of the Royal Ballet of Cambodia at Pré Catelan in Summer 1906, following King Sisowath in state visit.

Maestro Vincenzo Marrone d’Alberti and Maestro Luca Lione interpreting with grace and sentiment Maurice Ravel’s suite “Ma Mère l’Oye”.

The funds gathered two years ago served to restore a magnificent statue of San Giovanni Battista, a glory of Sicilian medieval wood sculpture tradition.

Mayor Nicolà Catania and Doctor Domenico (Mimmo) de Gennaro revealing the beautiful newly restored statue of San Giovanni Battista

Many friends of Prince Giuseppe Grifeo di Partanna have participated with enthusiasm to this prestigious Gala evening and the celebration went on, until late into the summer night, among laughs and joyful jokes of a merry company, who promised to do it again very soon !

The arrival of Doctor Domenico (Mimmo) de Gennaro and his charming wife, Doctor Rosalia Crescenti, our charming hosts on this auspicious day.

Our dear friends, Mr. Rafaele Beninati and his gorgeous wife, Mrs. Giovanna Maria Ciolino, who prepared for the happy few of us the most incredibly delicious “pasta” with the world famous red shrimps of Mazara, the day before !

Glamourous Agata Palazzo, in a splendid evening ensemble of bronze silk, together with Prince Giuseppe Grifeo di Partanna

Happy gathering at the end of the evening, around young promising Tenor Roberto de Gennaro Crescenti, Meastro Vincenzo Marrone d’Alberti, His Highness Prince Sisowath Ravivaddhana Monipong, Prince Giuseppe Grifeo di Partanna, Photographer Angelo Campus, Doctor Antonio Roberto Tartamella and talented young Maestro Luca Lione.

Needless to say that this enchanting evening is still alive in our hearts and we are looking forward to going back to this lovely area of the Beautiful Sicily.

All my gratitude and sincere thanks to our marvellous photographer, Mr. Angelo Campus.

 

 

 

 

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Enchanting Gala Evening at Castello Grifeo di Partanna in Sicily

On Saturday 25th June 2016, Prince Giuseppe Grifeo di Partanna decided to gather some friends in the Castle of his ancestors in Partanna, Sicily. Thanks to Dottore Domenico de Gennaro and the “Il MedioEvo” Association, the funds reunited in occasion of this Gala Dinner will be used to restore two wonderful masterpieces of Sicilian Middle Age.

Prince Giuseppe Grifeo di Partanna greeting his friends: Mrs. Anna Maria Napoli and her husband, Mr. Vincenzo Mendolia, owners of the delicious “Baronessa” Olive Oil and the Della Rocca brothers, Daniele & Massimo, from Martina Franca

In company of Dr. Domenico de Gennaro and his wife, Dr. Rosalia Crescenti and Onorevole Nino Oddo and his wife

The Grifeo family is one of the most antique and famous names of Sicily. Their ancestor, Giovanni Grifeo the First was rewarded the territory of Partanna in 1091 by Earl Ruggero of Sicily in gratitude for his help to fight against the Arabic invaders and since then, the Grifeo family became “Grifeo di Partanna”.

Prince Giuseppe Grifeo di Partanna showing me his impressive Genealogy

Castello Grifeo in Partanna

Their impressive castle was the marvellous settings where many VIPs decided to get together to enjoy the most delightful evening of the beginning of the summer with typical Sicilian dishes and above all, a piano concert by two young and brilliant artists, Luca Lione and Giulia Martiniello, students of Maestro Vincenzo Marrone d’Alberti.

Luca Lione & Giulia Martiniello, students of Maestro Vincenzo Marrone d’Alberti

 

Maestro Luca Lione interpreting with grace and sentiment an unforgettable masterpiece of Franz Liszt

Needless to say that this enchanting evening is still alive in our hearts and we are looking forward to going back to this lovely area of the Beautiful Sicily.

All my gratitude and sincere thanks to our marvellous photographer, Mr. Angelo Campus.