It’s anniversary time for the Orchestra of Wind Instruments of Valtellina. Founded in 1991, 35 years on it continues to be a truly unique case on the Italian bandstand scene: among the historic groups that kick-started the renewal of music for wind instruments between the 1980s and 1990s, it’s the only one that has kept up a regular concert programme.

Since its founding, it has been led by Lorenzo Della Fonte, who on Saturday 7 November will share the podium at the Auditorium S. Antonio in Morbegno with one of Europe’s most authoritative conductors and educators, the Swiss Felix Hauswirth, an international reference figure for the world of bands and wind orchestras.

Among the gifts to mark this milestone, two world premieres stand out—two pieces written specifically for the occasion.

The first is Rail Song by the American Jack Stamp, who was already a guest of OFV in Morbegno a year ago; with this piece he wanted to pay tribute to Lorenzo Della Fonte and his constant train journeys. The second is Chansons by Giulio Castagnoli, a composer of international renown whose works are performed by Italy’s leading institutions.

The second part of the concert, conducted by Felix Hauswirth, will offer a programme that looks to Swiss musical tradition, featuring a march by Frank Martin and a lyrical page by Oliver Waespi, alongside an original 19th-century masterpiece by Camille Saint-Saëns, presented in the revision prepared by Hauswirth himself.

The Orchestra’s link with the City of Morbegno is important. Right here, on 12 January 1992, the very first concert took place at the Collegiata of San Giovanni Battista. In Morbegno too, the milestones of concerts number 100, 200 and 250 were celebrated—the last one being reached on 16 May in the splendid gardens of Palazzo Malacrida. Over the course of its history, the orchestra has held 54 concerts in the city alone, more than a fifth of all its activity.

The concert is free entry until seats run out.