“Go Luca, go!” shouted someone in the crowd, encouraging the violinist Luca Ciarla to return to the stage for one final song. He obliged, walking back on as the audience clapped and cheered. The upbeat notes of the composition “Libertango” soon enveloped attendees lounging on the New Haven Green. 

Ciarla took the Alexander Clark Stage on the New Haven Green last Thursday for a genre-defying performance at the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. Performing before Bossa Nova singer Caro Pierotto, the performance showcased the violinist’s electronic mastery, vocal talent, and wit. After an introduction by Arts & Ideas board member Patricia Brett, Ciarla greeted the crowd.