• summer at MAXXI L'Aquila • talk + music The Other Garibaldi. The ‘Diaries’ of Caprera

A fresh and surprisingly modern portrait of Giuseppe Garibaldi, which goes beyond the myth of the Risorgimento hero to reveal his more everyday and authentic side.

At the heart of Virman Cusenza’s book, published by Mondadori, lies Caprera – not as a place of isolation, but as a political, agricultural and human laboratory where Garibaldi experimented with new ideas and ways of life. Through his little-known Agricultural Diaries, a curious and visionary man emerges: a farmer, entrepreneur, livestock breeder and innovator, attentive to nature, technology and animal welfare. Amidst farming, political reflections and encounters with historical figures of the time, the author portrays Garibaldi as a cosmopolitan figure, far removed from stereotypes, capable of deep passions and with a vision already turned towards the future.

The evening is enhanced by musical accompaniment inspired by Giuseppe Garibaldi, featuring a vocal-piano duo performing arias by Gaetano Donizetti (Quanto è bella quanto è cara, from “L’elisir d’amore”), Vincenzo Bellini (È serbato a quest’acciaro, from “I Capuleti e i Montecchi”) and Giuseppe Verdi (Questa o quella, from “Rigoletto”).

speakers
Virman Cusenza writer and journalist
Irene de Vico Fallani Head of the MAXXI Guidance and Development Department

musical accompaniment
Zhao Xiaoyi tenor
Piergiuseppe Lofrumento pianist

Under the patronage of the Municipality of L’Aquila and with the support of ALES. In collaboration with the “Alfredo Casella” Conservatory of Music.