Songoni & Words 2025: First Italian Author Song Fest in Paris
Table of Contents
- Italian Author Song Festival in paris to Honor Gianmaria Testa
- italian Author Song Festival in Paris: A Celebration of Music, Literature, and Italian Culture
- What makes teh Italian Author Song Festival in Paris special?
- When and where is the festival taking place in Paris?
- Who is Gianmaria Testa and why is he being honored?
- What events are planned to honor Gianmaria Testa?
- What other events are included in the festival?
- Who are some of the artists performing at the festival?
- Where can I buy tickets for the festival?
- What is the “Label Paris Europe” award?
PARIS – the Italian Author Song Festival, “Songs & Words,” is set to return to Paris for its fourth edition, with a special tribute to the late Gianmaria Testa, a piedmontese singer-songwriter, poet, and notch maker. The festival, which also includes literary and cinematic events, has garnered recognition, including the “Label Paris Europe” award from the city of Paris in both 2022 and 2024 for its commitment to international cultural relations between France and Italy.
A Tribute to Gianmaria Testa
Testa, who died in 2016 at the age of 57, began his career in France, releasing his first five albums starting with “Montgolfières” in 1995. His concerts in France,including a sold-out performance at the Olympia in 1997,were pivotal in gaining recognition in Italy and othre European countries,and also Canada.
The festival will feature three events dedicated to exploring Testa’s artistic and personal journey, complementing its existing program and educational initiatives that involve artists, Italian teachers, and their students.
- may 24: A documentary screening.
- May 25: At the Café de la Danse, a show featuring various songwriters performing Testa’s songs, accompanied by testimonials from guests connected to the artist.
- May 27: The italian Cultural Institute of Paris will host “straight back,” a show combining readings, songs, and images.
Festival Program Highlights
The festival kicks off on May 22 at 7 p.m. at the Maison de l’Italie (14th arrondissement) with “the Chanson et les Racines,” a concert in two parts.The first part features the Trio Tzigano by Roberto Durkovic, a Lombard author-composer originally from Prague.The second part showcases the birth of the heavy clouds, a Calabrian group active for 35 years, known for blending song, rock, traditions, and a commitment to legality and justice. Tickets are €15 (full price) / €12 (reduced).
On May 23 and 24 at 8 p.m.,Les Trois Baudets (18th arrondissement) will host “The Grand Concert,” featuring eight Italian artists involved in the festival’s educational project. Among them is Neapolitan singer Teresa De sio. other performers include Mario Castelnuovo, Fabrizio Zanotti, Massimo Donno, Anna Castiglia, Riccardo Bonsanto, carolina Bubbico, and Miriam Ricordi. Carlotta Persico will be the cellarist, with Serena Rispoli and Peppe Voltarelli presenting. Tickets are €20 (full price) / €15 (reduced) per evening.
A literary meeting with singer-songwriter Pippo Pollina is scheduled for May 26 at 7 p.m. at the Maison de l’Italie (14th arrondissement). Pollina will present the French preview of his novel “The Autre,” which has seen success in Italy and German-speaking countries. Bruno Putzulu will perform readings, with rocco Femia moderating. Admission is free with reservation.
The Italian Author Song Festival, “Songs & Words,” is a unique event that celebrates Italian music, literature, and cinema. It’s not just a music festival; it’s a cultural immersion,offering a diverse program that includes concerts,literary events,and film screenings.The festival’s commitment to international cultural relations between France and Italy has earned it the “Label Paris Europe” award from the city of Paris in both 2022 and 2024.
When and where is the festival taking place in Paris?
Based on the provided text, the festival is set to return to Paris for its fourth edition. The specific dates mentioned are from May 22nd to May 27th. The events are taking place across various venues in Paris, including:
Maison de l’Italie (14th arrondissement)
Les Trois Baudets (18th arrondissement)
café de la Danse
Italian Cultural Institute of Paris
Who is Gianmaria Testa and why is he being honored?
the festival is paying special tribute to the late Gianmaria Testa, a renowned Piedmontese singer-songwriter, poet, and “notch maker.” Testa, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 57, began his career in France. His first five albums were released here. His concerts in France, including a sold-out performance at the Olympia in 1997, played a crucial role in gaining recognition in his native Italy and other European countries, as well as Canada. The festival features three events dedicated to exploring Testa’s artistic and personal journey.
What events are planned to honor Gianmaria Testa?
To celebrate the life and work of Gianmaria Testa,the festival will include:
may 24: A documentary screening.
May 25: A show at the Café de la danse featuring various songwriters performing Testa’s songs, accompanied by testimonials from guests connected to the artist.
may 27: The Italian Cultural Institute of Paris will host “straight back,” a show combining readings,songs,and images.
What other events are included in the festival?
The festival’s program extends beyond the Testa tribute, offering a variety of performances and literary events.
The main Concerts:
May 22: “The Chanson et les Racines,” a concert at the Maison de l’Italie, featuring the Trio Tzigano and the Calabrian group “the birth of the heavy clouds.”
May 23 and 24: “The Grand Concert” at Les Trois Baudets, featuring eight Italian artists involved in the festival’s educational project, including Teresa De Sio.
Literary Meeting:
May 26: A literary meeting with singer-songwriter Pippo Pollina at the Maison de l’Italie,presenting the French preview of his novel “The Autre.”
Who are some of the artists performing at the festival?
The festival features a diverse lineup of Italian artists. Here are some of the key performers mentioned in the program:
| Artist | Event | Venue |
| ————————– | ————————————– | ———————- |
| Trio Tzigano | “The Chanson et les Racines” | Maison de l’Italie |
| The birth of the heavy clouds | “The Chanson et les Racines” | Maison de l’Italie |
| Teresa De Sio | “The Grand Concert” | Les Trois Baudets |
| mario Castelnuovo | “The Grand Concert” | Les Trois Baudets |
| Fabrizio Zanotti | ”The Grand Concert” | Les Trois Baudets |
| Massimo Donno | “the Grand Concert” | Les Trois Baudets |
| Anna Castiglia | “The grand Concert” | Les Trois Baudets |
| Riccardo Bonsanto | ”The Grand Concert” | Les Trois Baudets |
| carolina Bubbico | “The Grand Concert” | Les Trois Baudets |
| Miriam Ricordi | “the Grand Concert” | Les Trois Baudets |
| Pippo Pollina | Literary Meeting | maison de l’Italie |
Where can I buy tickets for the festival?
The information provided lists ticket prices for specific events, such as “The Chanson et les Racines” and ”The Grand Concert.” However,the article does not provide direct links or instructions on how to purchase tickets. The event at the Maison de l’Italie featuring Pippo Pollina is free with a reservation.
What is the “Label Paris Europe” award?
The “Label Paris Europe” award is granted by the city of Paris to recognise organizations and events that contribute to international cultural relations. The Italian Author Song Festival has received this award in both 2022 and 2024, highlighting its significance in promoting cultural exchange between France and Italy.