20/07/2025
Bologna - Italy
Uri Caine’s oratorio “The Passion of Octavius Catto” at the Auditorium Manzoni
on 26 September 2026
The musical highlight
On 26 September 2026, the Teatro Comunale di Bologna invites you to a special evening as part of its Jazz on Symphony series at the Auditorium Manzoni.
The programme features “The Passion of Octavius Catto” by Uri Caine, an oratorio that blends jazz, gospel and ragtime with an orchestra and choir to create an evening that goes far beyond a conventional jazz concert.
Uri Caine, an American pianist and composer, has for many years moved with ease between jazz, classical music and free improvisation. In “The Passion of Octavius Catto”, he explores the life of Octavius Catto, a 19th-century African-American teacher, activist and civil rights campaigner. He takes the form of Bach’s Passions as his musical starting point and develops it further into American musical history, incorporating gospel, ragtime and jazz.
With Uri Caine on piano, singer Barbara Walker, Clarence Penn on drums and Brad Jones on electric bass, alongside the orchestra and choir of the Teatro Comunale di Bologna conducted by André Raphel, the line-up for this evening is as extraordinary as the work itself.
Discover Bologna: La Grassa, La Dotta, La Rossa
Bologna has three nicknames, and all three say a lot about the city: La Grassa – the fat one, because of its legendary cuisine.
La Dotta – the learned one, thanks to the oldest university in Europe. And La Rossa – the red one, because of the warm brick and terracotta façades that characterise the cityscape everywhere.
The city is perfect for strolling. Under endless arcades, past medieval towers and through winding alleys.
If you're staying a little longer, you can plan a trip to Modena or the region south of Bologna. There you'll find small wineries.
Your travel option
Hotel Brun
A small, charming boutique hotel right in the historic centre. Elegant and minimalist furnishings, with great attention to detail.
Room category: Deluxe double room (22 m²)
Inclusive: breakfast
Inclusive concert ticket: Parquet Category 1
Travel price from € 550 per person in a double room
Room category: Deluxe single room (18 m², double room for single use)
Inclusive: breakfast
Inclusive concert ticket: Parquet Category 1
Travel price from € 730 in a single room
Music Travel Hideaways Special: Jazz meets Italian aperitivo
An evening in Bologna is best started with a glass of wine and a small selection of local specialities. We invite you to enjoy an aperitivo in one of our favourite bars.
Travel details
Travel dates: 25-28 September 2026 (4 days / 3 nights)
Concert: Uri Caine’s oratorio “The Passion of Octavius Catto” on 26 September 2026
Accommodation: Hotel Brun
Music Travel Hideaways Special: Aperitivo in the old town
Additional nights or individual extension bookable on request
Your individual journey
Arrival by flight from your desired destination. We will be happy to advise you on the best connections.
What is included?
- 3 nights at Hotel Brun
- Uri Caine’s oratorio “The Passion of Octavius Catto” at the Auditorium Manzoni on 26 September 2026 (Parquet Category 1)
- breakfast
- Music Travel Hideaways Special: Aperitivo in the old town
This trip will be put together individually for you.
We are happy to customise travel dates and additional services such as travel or extensions to suit your wishes.
