The Associazione Culturale Musicale Bandistica Synphonica Citta` di Viagrande

This musical formation in the town of Viagrande is a continuation of an ancient tradition which goes back a number of centuries. In fact, the first documents marking the presence of a musical formation date back to 1800. In addition, specific reference in official documents to a band in Viagrande dates to 1848, the year of revolutions in Italy.

One can say that the reputation of the Viagrande band is spread throughout Sicily and even in Italy through musical performances in Concerts and band marches in the most important cities of the region and also in Calabria. In the past years the band of Viagrande was immensely popular for its presence and participation in a great number of Feasts of patron saints in most towns of the area. A special mention was its participation in the feast of Sant’Alfio, when travelling was done on carts and was considered as a long journey.

In the years 1978,1979 and 1980, the Associazione Culturale Musicale Bandistica Synphonica Citta` di Viagrande participated in the Festival delle Bande Musicali, which was organised by a shop n amed Pro-Loco, situated in Viagrande. It must be noted that the band received positive feedback and acclamations from the general public.

Under the baton of Mro V. Aprile, the band of Viagrande was the first band from the Etna area that organised musical concerts with the participation of the Cantanti Lirici. This initiative was widely acclaimed by the general public and raised great interest, to the extent that audiences were always huge. In the year 2011, on the initiative and interest of Local Councillor Antonio Billone, the band of Viagrande was recognised from the Culture Minister as a musical formation which works in the interests and for the benefit of the local community.