Italian music arrives to Haapsalu

Text Susanna Poikela
Photo event organiser

On the first weekend of June, Haapsalu will come alive with the sounds of Italian music and the flavours of fine wine. The Italian Music Festival, held on June 1 from 4 pm to 11 pm in the courtyard of the Episcopal Castle, will feature performances by Ricchi e Poveri, Riccardo Fogli, Piero Mazzocchetti, and Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino. The event, which is accompanied by a two-day wine festival, is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the beautiful seaside town.

This year’s headliner is Ricci e Poveri, an ensemble founded in 1967 in Genoa, the capital of Liguria. The band’s music represents Italian pop music. They also draw influences from American bands. The band took part in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1978 and won Italy’s most famous music festival, Sanremo, in 1985.

Another performer, Riccardo Fogli, plays Italian ballads and pop. He has also performed at the Sanremo Song Contest with his song “Storie di Tutti i Giorni”. Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino are an original folk band that combines contemporary music trends with traditional Italian music. They will fill the stage with the music, rhythms, and energy of the Salento region. 

In addition to pop and contemporary folk, there will also be some opera. Tenor Piero Mazzochetti started his career in Germany, from where he returned to the Italian scene. He has participated in Italy’s major music festivals and TV programmes. The tenor has also sung with Spanish opera legend and top tenor Jose Carreras on several occasions. 

For more information on the Italian Music Festival, click here. You can find out more about the wine event on the organisers’ website.

To learn more about this and similar topics
Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino Haapsalu Haapsalu Bishop’s Castle Italian Music Festival Italy Opera Ricci e Poveri Wine Festival