NIEMEYER’S “GIFT" FOR RAVELLO: THE AUDITORIUM

The idea of the Auditorium construction comes from the need to provide a covered structure allowing to extend the musical season, which was usually limited to the summer period and enjoy these unique events all year round instead.
The design of the project was assigned to the well-known Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer who, in the name of his friendship with the sociologist Domenico De Masi, Ravello Foundation’s former president, gifted the “concept” of the Auditorium to the people of Ravello. However, Niemeyer had never been to the city of music himself, so he could only imagine how fascinating it is. He knew of course that the place designated for the construction was not chosen at random, but that it would have indeed enjoyed one of the most enviable views in the world, the same of the nearby Villa Rufolo.

What better way to enhance its potential than a stunning panoramic terrace? It is the icing on the cake that gives tourists and Ravello inhabitants a spectacular viewpoint over the Gulf of Salerno.

In his immense modesty Niemeyer closed his presentation of the project with these words:

The Auditorium, inaugurated in 2010, today represents a flagship of modern architecture. It has hosted many famous artists like the Italian singer Lucio Dalla, the saxophonist Nicola Alesini, the violinist Salvatore Accardo, the conductor Riccardo Muti and the San Carlo Theater Choir. It is also the place where the Wagner Prize has been assigned to the famous conductor, pianist and composer Roman Vlad. Over the years, it has become a popular location for many high-importance cultural events.
The structure has a concave shape, similar to the mandolin’s sound box, that guarantees excellent acoustics: dance and theater performances, concerts, meetings, conferences, and film screenings are just some of the events that take shape in this superb Auditorium suspended over the sea.

Niemeyer's style is recognizable in the sinuous shapes of the Auditorium and in the way it fits the surrounding environment without changing it. The beauty of this architectural masterpiece can be felt since the arrival: if you pay attention, you will notice the curved lines of the structure recalling those of a female figure lying on her side while admiring the amazing panorama of Ravello. The charm of the landscape is the protagonist both inside and outside: the structure has a large access window and behind the orchestra, through a porthole, it is possible to see the external panorama. 

In the summer, the Auditorium hosts the Ravello music festival, attracting fans from all over the world, and it offers also periodic exhibitions of sculptures and artistic works. During your stay in the city check if there are any scheduled, it could be an interesting experience!

Niemeyer together with the miniature of the project sent a note saying: 

Looking at his Auditorium, you can understand how these free and sensual curves enchant all visitors, especially because of the unmatched beauty of the surrounding landscape.