Music and faith: a concert at Santa Maria in Portico that speaks to the hearts of the faithful.

In a baroque setting steeped in history and devotion, a musical event of rare intensity celebrated the Madonna, uniting generations in the name of faith and beauty. A special concert conducted by Maestro Fulvio Creux took place in the splendid baroque church of Santa Maria in Portico in Naples. The concert was conceived as a tribute to the Virgin Mary on the occasion of the Triduum in preparation for July 17, the date on which, according to tradition, the Madonna appeared to Pope John I in 524. The apparition took place in the house of Saint Galla near the Portico of Octavia. "I am the deacon of this community," says Rosario Velonà, "and we have always kept a copy and lovingly venerated the icon of Santa Maria in Portico. The original painting is located in the church of Santa Maria in Portico in Campitelli, Rome." Her miraculous apparition occurred on July 17, 524, and every year we prepare spiritually for this date. This year, our parish priest, Father Jeyaseelan Beno Vaz, dedicated a special concert to the Virgin, which was also a moment of deep reflection and prayer. What was striking was the strong involvement of young people, both in the orchestra and in the audience. "Bands are often associated with music schools," explains concert director Fulvio Creux, "and many young people begin their musical journey from there. Some of them, thanks to their passion and dedication, go on to become members of important national groups. With the Casandrino band, we are carrying out serious and promising work, which trains both artists and citizens. Artistic Director Antonella Frattolillo also reiterated this commitment: "I am proud to direct these young talents, who express passion, discipline, and culture through music. Working with Casandrino's band is a source of great pride for me: these are young people who make music a way of life." The audience also experienced the intensity and strength of great performers such as lyric-dramatic soprano Teresa Sparaco, who emphasized: "A concert in a church is not just art, it's also evangelization. We bring music, but also a message that speaks to the heart, especially that of young people. This is how we build a bridge between spirituality and culture." Soprano Tania Di Giorgio was also moved, calling the evening "unique and special": This is not just a performance, it is a collective act of love. In a time marked by war and crisis, music becomes a language of peace and hope. Where there is love, she says, there is life. And here, love felt strong, authentic, and shared. Much of the success is due to the tireless commitment of Cavaliere al Merito della Repubblica Roberto Cantagallo, who successfully promoted the event in the media and, above all, engaged the local community and the younger generations, making music a powerful instrument of faith and participation. One of the main goals of the event, Deacon Velonà recalled, is to bring young people closer to the faith. And music is the perfect language: immediate, emotional, universal. An intense, vibrant evening that combined art, spirituality, and civic engagement. A concrete demonstration of how, even today, faith can speak to young people—and through them—build community, beauty, and hope.

MO