At the ICBIE, we celebrate the whole range of human cultural expression, from the pinnacles of the great masters to the most humble creations. And more, we like to acknowledge this variety by creating dramatic contrasts, if necessary, to keep things in proportion.
So after the hedonistic baccanalia of the graffiti meeting, a repentine twist to the divine and universal message of Saint Francis of Assisi seemed like the perfect counterweight. This choice allows the ICBIE to reaffirm its bonds with Italy, by recognizing its patron saint, and the calendar gave us a perfect excuse, as his Saint’s Day falls on October 4th.
Starting today, Pietro Gallina (who else?) begins a three-day homage to Giovanni Francesco Bernardone (1181 or 1182 – 1226), centering on a reading of the Laudes Creaturarum, also known as The Canticle of the Sun, or, more literally, “Praise of the Creatures.” (Seeing as Francis wrote this incredible lyric after a serious illness in 1224, while in the care of St. Claire, all the students, upon learning this last detail, will also be forced into a state of sweet saudade, thinking about their dear English teacher, who just recently departed for home.)
On the 4th, the homage will reach its apex, with a musical presentation of the Canticle, featuring our outstanding students Laís and Megmécia, accompanied at the piano by Maestro Gallina himself.
