The Parallel Orchestra is about to take off, an innovative project of inclusion between musicians with different types of abilities. The idea is led by the musical laboratory Il Palco of Civitanova with a network of entities and associations that collaborate in various capacities, such as the social cooperative Il Camaleonte, the local Anffas, the diocesan Caritas of Civitanova, the socio-educational centers of the Pars cooperative and Asp Paolo Ricci. The municipal administration is also involved with councilor Barbara Capponi and the Theater company.
The orchestra formation, after a few months of preparationwas officially established and from 8 October 2024 the rehearsals will begin, thanks to the John Paul II foundation which will grant some spaces of the Catechumenion in via Carnia, in Civitanova, free of charge. The great driving force of the Parallel Orchestra is Renzo Morreale.
«It will be an example of true inclusion, which allows us to go beyond music laboratories – began Morreale – I have been involved in music therapy for years in various socio-educational centers in the area. Music has a strong therapeutic value, but those with disabilities are often forced to play alone, because the work is confined within the laboratory. Thus, the idea of creating a band was born among the guests of the centers and some artists who gravitate to the stage, developing a moment of aggregation and growth that takes music therapy out of the classrooms”.
Morreale began playing with kids with disabilities and making them play in 2018. «As a simple volunteer I became so passionate about this laboratory that I started studying and obtained the qualification from the Music Therapy Center of Assisi, the oldest in Italy».
The Parallel Orchestra will be composed of a “central” band made up of professional musicians, with Renzo Gnocchini on the battery, Massimo Saccutelli on keyboards, “Bip” Gismondi on guitar, Andrea Zaccari and Francesco Caporaletti at basso, Shanti Starnoni and Giona Luciani. The musical direction will be handled by the maestro Luigi Gnocchini, while he will be directing Vanessa Spernanzoni. They will be joined in the various percussions by guests from the various socio-educational centers in the area.
«We chose to emphasize the rhythmic part – explains Morreale – because the heartbeat is a primordial form of music, which we all listen to from birth and it is an innate sound within us. Children with disabilities understand the importance of performing in contact with other people and in front of an audience, becoming part of a group.”
The debut is expected in February 2025, at the Rossini theater in Civitanova. One of the exceptional testimonials will be Mr. Marco Giampaolo, who in Serie A, among the various teams, has coached Ascoli, Milan, Turin and Sampdoria.
«Bishop Rocco Pennacchio has already given his personal support to the project – continued Morreale – and now we would like to intensify the involvement of the Administrations of Civitanova, Montecosaro, Corridonia, Porto Sant’Elpidio and Sant’Elpidio a Mare: these are municipalities where present our music therapy and where the project could find even greater breath and life.”
