The Temple It was designed by Canova on several occasions between 1804 and 1818, assisted in the designs by Pietro Bosio and Luigi Rossini, with the epistolary advice of Giannantonio Selva and Antonio Diedo. The expense of the Temple was almost entirely borne by the sculptor and practically the entire community of Possagno participated in the work (which also provided some materials and voluntary work) and workers from the surrounding area. Canova died on 13 October 1822, therefore when the works had just begun, but in his will he entrusted to his half-brother Mons. Giovanni Battista Sartori the task of completing the enterprise, which he considered of fundamental importance. On 7 May 1832 the Temple, the parish church of Possagno, was solemnly consecrated to the SS. Trinity by Msgr. Tailors.
The Canovian Anniversaries promoted by Work Endowment of the Canovian Temple of Possagno together with Canova Foundation onlus and Municipality of Possagno intend celebrate with various events and cultural initiatives, the first stage of the celebrations which will end in 2022, the bicentenary of the death of the great neoclassical artist.
Canovian Anniversary Programme
11 - 14 July 2019
Thursday July 11th
20:00 – Opening celebrations
The President of the Canova Foundation Vittorio Sgarbi, the Mayor of Possagno Valerio Favero, the Director of the Antonio Canova Gypsotheca and Museum Mario Guderzo and the President of the Endowment Opera of the Canovian Temple of Possagno Giuseppe Cunial present the anniversary program and officially open the celebrations.
21:00 - Concert at the Canovian Temple - The Venetian soloists "In honor of Canova"
A very special Canovian celebration for the 200th anniversary of the laying of the first stone of the Temple of Possagno. The Canova institutions, Opera Endowed of the Canovian Temple of Possagno and the Canova Foundation onlus, together with the Municipality of Possagno propose a special concert in the Temple with I Solisti Veneti for the occasion. A tribute also to Maestro Claudio Scimone who with his "Soloists" has been applauded here several times. Exceptional musical pages on the program, chosen above all from those that Canova most admired: from Bach, Vivaldi, Corelli, Marcello.
Admission: full €15 – reduced €12
Info and reservations: Operaestate Festival ticket office, tel. 0424 524214 and on the website www.operaestate.it
Friday July 12th
11:00 am – Inauguration of the exhibition “A Temple for Eternity”
Gypsotheca and Antonio Canova Museum, 11 July – 13 October 2019
With an introduction by the President of the Canova Foundation Vittorio Sgarbi and the Director of the Antonio Canova Gypsotheca and Museum Mario Guderzo.
On 11 July 1819 Canova was in Possagno for the laying of the foundation stone of the new parish church. An immense gift made by the sculptor to his birthplace: Possagno. Canova will not see the conclusion of this project because the sculptor will die on October 13, 1822 and the parish church will be consecrated 10 years later. Its construction will be the moral commitment entrusted to the care of his brother Bishop Giovanni Battista Sartori Canova.
The Church is an example of architecture capable of uniting ancient Greece to the Roman Empire through the Parthenon and the Pantheon. Engravings, paintings and sculptures will allow you to confront this reality, an example of neoclassical architecture located at the foot of the Pedemontana del Grappa mountains. A scale wooden model will facilitate the vision of the building which in these times will become the celebratory architecture of Canova's 200 years.
15 pm – Guided tours of the Temple and the Gypsotheca and Antonio Canova Museum
At 15:00, visitors who wish will have the opportunity to be accompanied by an expert guide to discover the Temple, the Gypsotheca and the birthplace of Antonio Canova.
The offer is valid for single visitors and for family groups. Not valid for groups of 10 or more. The offer is valid for the first 50 booked.
The guided tour is free.
Reservation recommended: 0423 544323 / mail@museocanova.it
The event is organized in collaboration with the Amici del Canova Association.
17:00 – Lectio Magistralis – Guido Beltramini
Classicism and Neoclassicism: Palladio, Canova and the diffusion of Venetian culture in the world.
Free event.
Location: Canovian Temple
21 pm – Screening of the CANOVA film
CANOVA, for Magnitudo Film's L'arte al cinema, is a journey into the work of the greatest master of Neoclassicism, considered by many to be the last great Italian artist on a world level. This documentary made in collaboration with the Antonio Canova Gypsotheca and Museum illustrates the story of the sculptor who, starting from Venice, brought his talent and his art all over the world, passing through France, England, Russia and above all Rome, but without ever leaving Possagno, his native town. The 8K HDR shooting techniques will reveal little-known details and above all will show the same point of view as the neoclassical sculptor narrated by the voice of someone who knows his masterpieces perfectly: Vittorio Sgarbi, President of the Canova Foundation in Possagno and Mario Guderzo, Director of the Museum and Gypsotheca Antonio Canova of Possagno.
Free event, booking recommended: info@anniversaricanoviani.it
Place: Theater of the Cavanis Institute
Saturday July 13th
19:00 – Gala in white
Fundraising dinner for the restoration of Canova's metopes
In the splendid setting of the garden of the Antonio Canova Gypsotheca and Museum, a dinner "in white" to celebrate the great Master of Neoclassicism Antonio Canova.
The proceeds will be donated to the restoration of Canova's metopes kept in the Gypsotheca, an intervention now necessary for the protection and conservation of the priceless heritage of the Possagno Museum. Participating in the event, as well as being a journey to discover the beauty of Antonio Canova's works, is a way of defending our cultural heritage, and doing so is an obligation we have towards our territory and future generations. With your help we can do a lot.
The evening includes a welcome aperitif, dinner and the Video Mapping show at the Canovian Temple at 22pm.
Suggested Dress Code: white
For info and reservations: events@museocanova.it
22 pm – Video Mapping at the Canovian Temple
The Video Mapping at the Canovian Temple is created by Infinity and Cenè International, companies that have been operating both in Italy and Korea in the field of art for over 10 years, promoting cultural exchange and supporting talented artists in both countries. Through the development of the most recent projects, the collaboration with the Canovian Anniversaries aims to intensify this cultural exchange. In particular the works of Antonio Canova – one of the most illustrious Italian artists – for Italy, and the Jikji – the oldest text printed with movable type – for Korea, will be excellent materials on which to develop interesting insights.
Sunday July 14th
10:30 am – Holy Mass in the Temple with Msgr. Pietro Parolin and Don Sergio Mercanzin
15 pm – Guided tours of the Temple and the Gypsotheca and Antonio Canova Museum
At 15:00, visitors who wish will have the opportunity to be accompanied by an expert guide to discover the Temple, the Gypsotheca and the birthplace of Antonio Canova.
The offer is valid for single visitors and for family groups. Not valid for groups of 10 or more. The offer is valid for the first 50 booked.
The guided tour is free
Reservation recommended: 0423 544323 / mail@museocanova.it
The event is organized in collaboration with the Amici del Canova Association
17:00 – Concert at the Canovian Temple – Venice Monteverdi Academy
On the occasion of the second centenary of the laying of the first stone of the Temple, the Venice Monteverdi Academy Choir directed by Roberto Zarpellon, accompanied on the organ by M.tro Nicola Lamon, proposes a varied programme, inspired by the various architectural elements and symbols of the religiosity contained within the temple itself.
From the ancient lauda "Alta Trinità beata", in reference to the dedication of the temple, to passages of passion linked to the Deposition of Christ from the Cross and the Pietà, up to a "corner" dedicated to the Madonna which refers us to the banner of the Madonna of mercy. An important part reserved for the compositions of Gioacchino Rossini who dedicated the cantata "Homage pastorale" to the genius of Possagno, a corner that refers to the spirit of the time.
CONCERT PROGRAM
Music by P. da Palestrina, C. Monteverdi, G. Allegri, A. Bruckner, G. Rossini, O. Messiaen, F. Poulenc
Venice Monteverdi Academy Choir
Organ, Nicola Lamon
Director, Roberto Zarpellon
Free event.
Booking is recommended: info@anniversaricanoviani.it
