Neapolitan Nights: Magical start to the Überlingen Music Days!

Neapolitan Nights: Magical start to the Überlingen Music Days!

On November 10, 2025, on a foggy and cool Thursday evening, the museum hall witnessed the start of the newly launched Überlingen Music Days, and the theme of the opening concert, “Neapolitan Nights,” made the hearts of music lovers beat faster. Michael Brunner, who founded the Music Days, ensured a great atmosphere with a varied program. The atmosphere was truly magical, evoking the romantic sounds of the Italian coastal city of Naples, known for its deep-rooted musical tradition since the 16th century.

The concert was opened brilliantly by baritone Marco Vassalli, an Überlingen native with Italian ancestry. Vassalli knows how to captivate audiences with his impressive voice and captivating performances. His ability to speak both Italian and Neapolitan adds extra flair to his performance. He was accompanied by the pianist Carolina Danise, who stepped in at short notice because the original accompanist had to cancel due to illness. Danise, born in Naples, brought with her not only her piano skills, but also the authentic Neapolitan musical tradition, which has its origins in the city's famous music schools.

The joy of Neapolitan music

Neapolitan music has developed over the centuries into an important form of cultural expression. Famous composers such as Alessandro Scarlatti, Rossini and even Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart have left their mark here. The melodies of this era, such as the immortal songs “O Sole mio” and “Funiculì Funiculà”, were particularly popular at the end of the 19th century. Such a tradition still lives on today in modern Neapolitan music, which integrates jazz, rock and world music elements, and has produced artists such as Pino Daniele and Edoardo Bennato.

The Neapolitans are known for their hospitality and joy of life, and this feeling was also noticeable during the concert. The connection to Neapolitan culture was evident not only in the music, but also in the grateful audience, who rewarded the performances with strong applause. Many guests in attendance raved about how much they felt transported to the southern atmosphere that the concert exuded.

An unforgettable evening

Michael Brunner has shown a good hand with this edition of the Music Days. By focusing on Neapolitan sounds, he managed to inspire the listeners and bring them closer to a touch of Italy. The competition between the compositions and the artists shows how lively the cultural collaboration between Germany and Italy still is today.

The Überlingen Music Days set a strong example right from the start and promise to continue to generate enthusiasm with further events. Perhaps inspired by the rich Italian musical tradition, the ensemble's unique performances will usher in the beginning of a new chapter in the concert series. Who knows what cultural treasures still await visitors! The next dates could prove to be just as enriching.