Fattoria del Colle, a farm that sings
A choir from Norway recently stayed at the Fattoria del Colle. They practised in the Chapel of San Clemente and gave performances in Trequanda and Arezzo. They are called the Fermate Vokal and would you like to know why they chose to stay with us? It is because the members of the choir are both music lovers and wine lovers. Once a year the Fermate Vokal organise a ‘Wine night’ with songs and wine tasting, specifically selected by these Norwegian experts. They joined us this year to enjoy the Brunello, Chianti and Doc Orcia wines
Rehearsals in the small St. Clemente Chapel
The choir consists of 26 members who all live in the north east of Oslo. There are both women and men, of all ages, ranging from 18 to 66 years old. They are an amateur choir but they sing very beautifully and practice constantly. Their melodies literally transformed the atmosphere of the Fattoria del Colle and gave the place an almost sacred atmosphere. It is very admirable to see the dedication which these people have put into their hobby, it is a sign of truly cultural and civilized people. The choir director, Ingrid Danbolt, is a beautiful young woman who runs the choir with an iron fist. Her hands go up and down continuously as if they are themselves in a ballet. The great achievements of the choir over the last two years are largely thanks to her. Although she was speaking in Norwegian it was easy to understand when she was reproaching the choir and how to appreciate how important it is to impose discipline during rehearsals which then ensures faultless performances.
Last year, which was the twentieth anniversary of the choir, they organised a tour of concerts in various churches. The repertoire of Fermate Vokal consists of a mixture of traditional Norwegian songs, some religious music but also popular classical pieces.
Donatella Cinelli Colombini