In the heart of Specchia, one of Puglia's most beautiful hilltop villages, the historic Atrio di Palazzo Risolo becomes a stage for musical exploration. The Borgo Sonoro festival brings together Javier Girotto's expressive saxophones and Vince Abbracciante's soulful accordion in a fusion that transcends genre. This isn't your typical concert—it's a dialogue between jazz improvisation and the folk roots of the accordion, set beneath vaulted stone ceilings that amplify every note.
The Sound of Two Voices
Girotto, an Argentinian-Italian virtuoso, has spent decades weaving Latin rhythms into European jazz. Abbracciante, a master of the accordion, draws from the deep wells of Southern Italian folk tradition. When they share the stage, the result is a conversation between continents and eras.
The atrium of Palazzo Risolo—once a noble residence, now a cultural heartbeat—offers acoustics that make every breath and every chord resonate. The stone walls, worn smooth by centuries, lend warmth to the performance, turning the space into an intimate chamber where 50 or 100 listeners become part of the music itself.
- Expect sudden shifts from tango rhythms to free-form jazz exploration
- The accordion's rich bass registers echo beautifully in the vaulted space
- Girotto often plays multiple saxophones during a single set, from soprano to baritone
- Silences are as powerful as the notes—listen for the pauses between phrases
Borgo Sonoro and Specchia's Cultural Pulse
This concert is part of Borgo Sonoro, a festival that transforms Specchia's historic corners into stages for world-class musicians. The series champions artists who push boundaries, blending tradition with innovation. It's not about preserving the past in amber—it's about making the old stones sing with new voices.
Specchia itself rewards exploration. Before or after the concert, wander the labyrinth of whitewashed alleys, climb to the Castle viewpoint for panoramic views of olive groves stretching to the Adriatic, or stop at a pasticceria for pasticciotto still warm from the oven. The village's compact size means everything is within a five-minute walk.
What to Bring to the Evening
The Atrio di Palazzo Risolo is an open-air courtyard, so check the forecast and bring a light layer—even summer evenings in the hills can carry a breeze. Arrive early to claim a seat with a clear sightline; the space fills quickly for popular acts. If you're driving, park at the base of the village and enjoy the short uphill stroll through the historic center.
After the final encore, the energy spills into the nearby piazzas. Join locals for an after-concert aperitivo or gelato, and let the melodies settle as the night deepens over the rooftops. This is where music and place merge—where a concert becomes a memory tied to cobblestones and starlight.