Xena & Maristella Patuzzi for "Betulle" Fondation, Cevio 2020

Music & Pet Therapy for old people
Maristella Patuzzi will play a series of special performances on violin for the elderly featuring works by Piazzolla, Prokofiev, Ernst and Paganini. The concerts, which will take place between May 29th and July 13th 2020, are not for profit. Maristella’s dog Xena will also be in attendance.
Why are you playing violin for retirement home in Ticino?
"In my opinion, the main victims of the Corona Virus are in retirement homes; with respect to their age, for all the restrictions on the visits of loved ones, and for the tremendous emotional difficulties they must endure during this period. I therefore thought of sharing my live music in order to create a cheerful atmosphere, not only for the elderly residents, but also all the healthcare workers involved. The director of retirement homes, Eliano Catelli, immediately welcomed my proposal and led the mission very well with the support of his colleagues. "
What will be the safety rules for the prevention of infections?
"I will play outdoors in their gardens or in the courtyards, where the residents may simply look out of their windows or hear the music from the comfort of their bed. By maintaining such a large distance from anyone, we will be well within the guidelines of the safety and prevention rules. I also considered the possibility of performing with a mask and gloves, but that may not be necessary depending on the circumstance. "
In case of bad weather?
“In this case, we would change the date or a large waterproof umbrella will have to be provided simply to protect the beautiful violin I am playing that was built in 1728 in Rome by Michael Platner, Swiss Vatican guard. The loan of this magnificent instrument is part of the "Adopt a Musician" project, one of the initiatives conceived and managed by MusicMasterpieces of Lugano. ”
Have you already played for Retirement Homes?
“Yes, I remember having one of the very first duo concerts with my father, Mario, a pianist, in Casa Serena. I had just turned 5 and the nursing home was right in front of my kindergarten. The residents were all sitting in a circle, and in order not to turn my back on anyone I played while twirling myself about as if I had were a carousel. Recently, on February 2, 2020, I performed in Duo Titanium with Eliseo Perretta on the accordion at the Rivabella Elderly Home in Magliaso, where we received numerous smiles and much applause. "
Thanks Ariel Salati for his wonderful work
www.maristellapatuzzi.com