The summer review “In the Garden”, born within the framework of Liberty in Jazz 2026 and promoted by the’Musikante Cultural Association with the artistic direction of Antonio Petralia, hosted one of the most prestigious events of the season by welcoming the Croatian guitarist Ratko Zjaca, internationally renowned artist and one of the most authoritative personalities in contemporary European jazz.
In the charming setting of the historic garden of Villa Ardizzone Events, Zjaca presented the project “Along Came Betty”, a concert that highlighted his unmistakable stylistic signature: a lyrical, refined musical language open to improvisation, capable of blending harmonic elegance, emotional intensity, and great expressive freedom.
To accompany the guitarist, an ensemble of absolute value composed of Francis Pantusa on guitar, Angelo Cultreri to the Hammond organ and Antonio Petralia on drums. The dialogue between the musicians gave rise to a performance rich in interplay and sensitivity, in which jazz tradition and contemporary research intertwined in a captivating and nuanced sonic narrative.
Candidate for Grammy Awards, composer, educator, and recording artist, Ratko Zjaca He is internationally recognized for his ability to combine extraordinary instrumental technique with profound musical research. His long career, developed through collaborations with some of the most important figures in world jazz, finds expression in music that transcends stylistic boundaries, always maintaining a strong artistic identity.
The Villa Ardizzone concert also marked the beginning of the artist's mini-tour of Sicily, which continued in the following days with the project “Futuristic Sounds” in Sant'Alfio and with special participation in the concert of Simona Trentacoste 4et, confirming Musikante's role in building international artistic networks and promoting European jazz.
A highly prestigious evening that has further consolidated “In the Garden” as one of the most qualified summer events on the Sicilian jazz scene, offering the public an international-caliber musical experience and confirming the commitment of the Musikante Cultural Association in promoting artists of absolute excellence.