A Slice of Sardinia with Kate Bolton-Porciatti
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Sardinia is justly celebrated for its seascapes in myriad shades of blue, its red-rock coasts, and golden sand beaches. Yet this hauntingly beautiful island (the second largest in the Mediterranean) offers the visitor so much more: millennia of history, breathtakingly varied scenery, and eclectic cultural traditions thanks to its geographic position - “lost between Europe and Africa, and belonging to nowhere” (wrote DH Lawrence). Sardinia also brags one of the few Blue Zones in the world, noted for the exceptional longevity of its people; it’s a veritable Shangri-La.
In this seminar and virtual tour (partly recorded on location), guide and cultural historian Kate Bolton-Porciatti journeys from the island’s rocky north coast to its remote heart, where archaeological remains of mysterious tower-fortresses called ‘nuraghe’, ancient tombs and villages attest to an advanced indigenous civilization since at least 1800 BC. We explore the high plateau of the Giara - a hinterland where wild horses roam free – and the voluptuous volcanic landscape of the Marmilla region where man and nature live in perfect symbiosis. We sample local culinary and cultural traditions, discuss Sardinian secrets for eternal youth, and listen to the mesmerizing ‘cantu a tenòre’ - a music so ancient it is protected by Unesco.
Led by an expert on Italian culture and music, Kate Bolton-Porciatti, this interactive seminar is an ode to Sardinia. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of the landscapes, legends, and cultural traditions of this ravishingly beautiful Italian island.
Kate Bolton-Porciatti is a professor of Italian cultural history and music at the Istituto Lorenzo de’Medici in Florence, where she teaches BA and MA courses in the humanities. She also lectures at the British Institute, Florence, and at the Chigiana Music Academy in Siena. Kate has published extensively as an academic and a journalist; she is a music critic for BBC Music and a travel writer for The Daily Telegraph, UK. Before moving to Italy permanently in 2005, she was a senior producer and broadcaster for BBC Arts & Classical Music in London and has won prestigious Jerusalem and Sony Awards for her programs. She did her M.Phil. thesis in Italy, exploring the musical culture of early Renaissance Florence.
This conversation is suitable for all ages
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.
I've always been curious about Sardinia and Kate Bolton-Porciatti gave a lovely seminar where she shows the different regions -- not just the coastal areas. The mountain regions are gorgeous and she shares some of the festivals and ancient singing traditions. Just lovely!
Of all the wonderful Context seminars we've watched, this is among the very best, both in terms of content and presentation. A terrific introduction to an intriguing place!
My second "tour" of Italy with Kate Bolton-Porciatti. I was interested in traveling there before I attended this seminar on Sardinia but I am now determined to go, and soon. I love how Kate includes music, art, food, local culture, geology, and plenty of scenery. I'm so glad I attended.