I did not know what to expect when I made the long and windy road trip to the Casa de Robert Graves last Friday for what was the first concert held at the Casa arranged by the Deia International Festival of Music and its Director Alfredo Oyaguez. The festival is always one of the highlights of the musical scene in Mallorca, Classical, Jazz and a mixture of Latin and Spanish music. Piano, Sax. Quartets, amazing singers. It has it all and Alfredo has excelled this season with the first of the concerts on 2nd June and continuing with many each month until September 27th. Something for everyone in wonderful locations such as Son Morroig, Hotel Belmond La Residencia, Sa Bassa Rotja hotel amongst others and some 45 concerts in all.
So the Friday belonged to Sicilian Gino Castelli, now living in Hamburg with his wife. He tours later in the year but flew to Mallorca with his wife for two concerts. The Casa de Robert Graves and Claustro de Sant Francesc, Cloisters, Sineu the following evening. Gino was born in Palermo, the son of a banking family, not music, but music was in his blood. For more than 30 years Gino has lived and worked in Hamburg. A composer, singer, producer and a pianist who also writes songs for himself and other artists. His albums can be found online. He also formed a live band and toured Latin America with great success and represented Italy twice at the Vina del Mar festival in Chile. A true artist and a rare talent. A pianist and performer not to be missed.
It was Gino’s first visit to Mallorca and what better location for his first concert. The wonderful location of the Casa de Robert Graves. The weather was uncertain so the concert was held in the small auditorium at the Casa. A glass of wine welcomed all and we were certainly not disappointed as Gino Castelli’s performance had the audience clapping and joining in on some of the songs he sang. What a surprise as I was expecting a classical music performance on piano but Gino surprised me and maybe others as he is a character, with charisma, fun and above all talented, connecting with all and no, it was not a classical piano concert but a concert full of wonderful songs. Gino can certainly play the piano and his wonderful voice filled the auditorium with Italian songs but also a few in English and from Hollywood films. His energy flowed to us all as he played standing up, and sitting down. Gino brought the audience to him, clapping along with some songs, singing with others when the song demanded. A superb performance that we did not want to end. The last song was “Time to say Goodbye” but we did not want to say goodbye but sadly all concerts come to a finale but what an evening and a success for the first concert arranged at the Casa de Robert Graves. Photos were taken and many wanted to talk with Gino so what a first concert evening for him in Mallorca. I am also certain a few more concerts will be added to the calendar during the months to come as the location is superb.
That was not all for me though as the next evening I made my way to Sineu which is only 5 kms from my own home and this time Gino played in the outside Cloisters. A beautiful setting on a warm evening with, for sure over 120 in the audience. Again, the audience maybe did not know what to expect but soon they, as in Deia were clapping to songs, singing along and Gino had the audience in his hands. They could not get enough and he returned back to the stage for more songs. The Cloisters was perfect for the sound and Gino could not be faulted. Alfredo had done it again with his tech team. What a start to the season and for Gino, two evenings to enjoy before leaving with his wife on the Sunday to Sicily for a week of family get togethers prior to a family wedding at the weekend where I am sure Gino will perform for his family and friends. I hope he does return to Mallorca and perform to many others.
For more details on the season’s festival concert calendar do please visit www.dimf.com Here you will find all the concerts, dates and entry prices. The season’s artists are from many countries and of course Mallorca and Spain. Something for all tastes. Celebrity Magazine will be at many concerts bringing you news before and after concerts so do check out our website at www.celebritymallorca.es
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David Whitney