One of the gifts of our travels together is the opportunity to create connections with each other and the people we meet. Sometimes the connection inspires action. Such was the case with one of our travelers in the spring of 2024.
The story begins by following the winding road to the countryside home of Ciuma and his family. It’s one of the favorite evenings of our Culinary tour for many of our travelers. The whole evening is a heartfelt discovery, starting with the generosity and splendor of a home-cooked meal. After dinner, the musically gifted father-daughter duo of Ciuma and Adele perform an intimate concert that brings joy, and occasionally tears.
Ciuma and Adele in 2022
One traveler, a professional musician and teacher, was inspired by the young Adele’s talent and soulful expression. After talking to her father later that evening, he was shocked to learn she was playing an instrument far inferior to her skills and passion.
Upon returning home in June, the traveler proposed that Esperienza create a fundraiser to support her development as a musician with the purchase of a violin better suited to her talent. Understanding that a high quality violin can be rather costly, he and his spouse offered a “challenge fund” for Esperienza’s travelers to make a contribution.
By November of 2024, our community had contributed almost $10,000. And in keeping with the Esperienza mission, Adele and her parents found a talented, up-and-coming violin maker in the nearby town of Cesena who not only crafted the instrument for her, but also allowed her to borrow it while the funds were being raised so she could begin to experience its quality.
Adele created the video below as a thank you to the donors and to all in the Esperienza community who have appreciated her musical gifts.
We are so thankful for the continuing generosity and kindness of our Esperienza family, and feel honored to share the beauty of Romagna and its people with you. We invite you to stay tuned for the release of a video another exclusive performance by Adele on her new violin, and in the meantime, check out the story below, from a local Twin Cities news broadcast.
