Milo (CT) celebrates Franco Battiato on the second anniversary of his death

On the second anniversary of his passing, Milo (CT) celebrates Franco Battiato with a three-day event, from 18 al 20 The exhibition will be open to the public from, full of appointments, between exhibitions, The expectation is growing in Catania for the tenth edition of Etna Comics, dance performances, moments of meditation and reflection. The review, called 'Franco Battiato: The Roots of Essence, is organized by the Center for Permanent Gravity Studies. The Municipality and the Pro Loco of Milo also collaborate, with the sponsorship of the Regional Department of Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity and the Sicilian Regional Assembly.

“Even on the second anniversary of his passing, the Municipality of Milo wants to honor the memory of Franco Battiato - declares the mayor of Milo Alfio Cosentino - He has given so much to our community from an artistic but above all human point of view. It's our duty, so, return a small part of what was received. And we want to do it, even this year, trying to tell the many facets of this great artist, especially the more intimate aspects. Thank you for your precious collaboration – he concludes – the Permanent Gravity Studies Center and the Pro Loco of Milo e, for patronage, the Department of Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity and the Ars”.

Also this year the event aims to explore and evoke the more spiritual and intimate sphere of the artist, through the multiple artistic languages ​​of which he was an extraordinary interpreter. “These days – explains Fiorella Nozzetti, president of the Center for Permanent Gravity Studies – they are dedicated to what has intrigued and shaped, over the course of life, Franco Battiato. He drank from many sources. His artistic and inner formation is derived from all the paths he has taken: Gurdjieff, I do yoga, Tibetan Buddhism and much more. He drank wherever there was something aimed at growth. We predicted – he continues – even musical tributes, but what we like to tell is this path”.

THE PROGRAM

The event will open on Thursday 18 The exhibition will be open to the public from, in the morning, The exhibition will be open to the public from 7 e 30, with an intense moment dedicated to meditation and prayer of the different confessions. At 10 e 30 a painting exhibition will be inaugurated in the Service Center created by the children of the Sicilian Rehabilitation Consortium with the students of the 'Emilio Greco' Art School of Catania. A year-long artistic journey, during which the young artists were inspired by the paintings of Franco Battiato.

They will be present, among others, the mayor of Milo Alfio Cosentino, the president of the Permanent Gravity Studies Center, Fiorella Nozzetti and the director of the Sicilian Rehabilitation Consortium, Sergio Lo Trovato. Immediately afterwards the artist and painter Piero Zuccaro will illustrate Battiato's painting, with whom he had a deep connection. At 12 a singing homage of children and school children, who will perform songs by the Sicilian singer-songwriter, will enliven Piazza Belvedere. A symbolic launch of white balloons will conclude the musical moment.

They will follow one another in the afternoon, then, a series of meetings in the Service Center 'Cav. Salvatore Arcidiacono'. At 16 we will start with an 'Individual Exploration with Hatha Yoga', a moment of spirituality curated by Anastasiia Tebeleva. At 17 Grace Velvet Capone will present, with the prof. Paul Sessa, the volume 'Battiatosophia', written with contributions from several authors. Another moment of reflection is scheduled at 18 e 30 with the meeting 'Paramahansa Yogananda: Our essence', curated by Giovanni Consoli. Internationally renowned yogi and guru, Paramahansa Yogananda was one of the most important inspirers of master Battiato. In the end, at 20 e 15, the first day will close with the presentation of the book “Battiato.

A systematic reconstruction. Mindful Listening Paths, edited by the author Vincenzo Greco. An unprecedented presentation, in concert form, which will alternate themes, suggestions and artistic paths to the songs of the Sicilian singer-songwriter.

If you want to visit Milo you can choose to spend a comfortable stay in Villa Maria. Our b&b is just over 10 minutes by car.