“No monument to Vivaldi in Venice?” That was the question that sparked a movement. We are standing before the Monumento ad Antonio Vivaldi. It stands near the San Basilio ferry terminal.
For years Venice lacked a proper tribute to its famous composer. Despite his legacy only commemorative plaques existed. Other cities honored Vivaldi. Vienna even erected a statue in 2001.
Alessio Benedettelli launched an idea. He is a musician. He is also the President and Artistic Director of the Festival Galuppi Association. He wanted to focus attention on the lack of a Vivaldi monument. Institutions and citizens joined the effort.
Thus, the CORMAV was born. This is the Comitato per la realizzazione di un Monumento ad Antonio Vivaldi. Many prominent figures joined the committee. They included Tiziana Agostini. She is the Councillor for Cultural Activities of the Municipality of Venice. Also Francesco Fanna, director of the Italian Antonio Vivaldi Institute was one of them. Massimo Contiero, director of the Conservatory of Venice also joined. Musicologist Franco Rossi and art historian Giuseppe Maria Pilo joined too. Giovanni Diaz and Barbara di Valmarana also participated. She is the president of the Friends of the Fenice.
The committee evaluated proposals from artists worldwide. Finally, Gianni Aricò’s vision was chosen.
The Vivaldi Statue was made in 2006 by Gianni Aricò. It was the first monument to honor Vivaldi in his hometown. The San Basilio Terminal granted permission for its installation. It welcomes guests arriving by sea.
Aricò tried to capture the artist’s feelings in his work. The statue recalls Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons”. Autumn and winter symbolize anguish. They are represented by a girl playing the violone. This ancient instrument is the predecessor to the double bass. Summer’s lightness is shown in the violinist. Spring’s freshness appears in the viola player.
The Monumento ad Antonio Vivaldi stands as a testament. It honors a composer. It fills a void in Venice’s cultural landscape. It connects art and music. It offers a space to reflect on Vivaldi’s enduring impact.