In this edition, we will interview two Italian musicians: Roy Paci and Francesco Furlanich.
Roy Paci
photo credits: Youness Taouil
Roy Paci is a singer, trumpeter, composer, record producer and founder of the Etnagigante label and production company. Born in Augusta (Syracuse, Italy) in 1969, he began playing the piano at a very young age and started playing the trumpet at the age of ten.
In 35 years of career, he has produced and participated in more than 500 albums, collaborating with the likes of Manu Chao, Mike Patton, Negrita, The Ex, Vinicio Capossela, Gogol Bordello, Macaco, 99 Posse, Daniele Silvestri, Bombino, Caparezza, Hindi Zahra, Ivano Fossati, Subsonica, Piero Pelù, Marlene Kuntz, Frankie Hi-nrg, Tony Levin and many others. He has made soundtracks for cinema, TV and theatre receiving various awards including the prestigious Nastro d’Argento and a nomination for the David di Donatello.
With his band Aretuska, he animated European and Latin American stages with a hybrid but personal sound which marries his regional Mediterranean quotes with Latin rhythms such as samba and cumbia, as well as ska, reggae, R & B and Jazz. Other active projects include Banda Ionica, Corleone and Orchestra del Fuoco and for 5 years he has been the artistic director of Uno Maggio Taranto.
Among the latest releases is Fight for freedom: tribute to Muhammad Ali (Etnagigante, 2017) in collaboration with Remo Anzovino. At the end of September of the same year, he released two singles, Tira (with text written by Daniele Silvestri) and Revolution, followed by Valelapena (Etnagigante / Artist First), the sixth album by Roy Paci & Aretuska.
In February 2018 he participated to the 68th edition of the Sanremo Festival together with Diodato with the song Ora. In July 2018 the last single Roy Paci and Aretuska released Salvagente (Etnagigante / Artist First), with the participation of Willie Peyote, one of the most brilliant rappers of the moment. A track with a funky groove won the Amnesty International Prize “Voices for Freedom” 2019.
In February 2019 he duetted with Negrita and Enrico Ruggeri at the 69th edition of the Sanremo Festival and in June the new single of Mamacita in feat was released. While tirelessly continuing the “Valelapena Tour” around Itay, Roy Paci started his collaboration in theatre playing as an actor and author of the music of The Knights by Aristophanes at the 2018 Greek Tragedy Festival in Syracuse (Italy). Shortly after his first theatrical show, Carapace premiered in March 2019. Carapace sees him on stage as an actor as well as a musician, accompanied by the Corleone Ensemble. In December 2019 he return to Corleone, experimental and avant-garde jazz with references to many other artists.
In May 2020, Roy released, Siamo Capaci, in the occasion of the 28th anniversary of the mafia attacks to Giovanni Falcone, Francesca Morvillo, Paolo Borsellino and their staff. The event, entitled “the courage of every day”, was dedicated to the commitment of all citizens who worked for the good of the community in the months of Covid-19 emergency. Roy Paci also released the single and the video of the song. The text, written in four hands by Roy and Giuseppe Anastasi, wants to be a song of rebirth in a historical period where it is necessary to send a strong message, to avoid sinking our land into the darkness of the past. All proceeds from the sale of the song will be donated in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to the Pertini school in the Sperone district of Palermo, recently vandalized and to other schools in difficult contexts in the area .; in collaboration with the Free Association in support of educational projects aimed at young Sicilians.
Francesco Furlanich
Francesco Furlanich, was born in Trieste in 1969. He graduated in Piano, Bassoon, Organ and Organ Composition.
He records for RAI and for various record companies, EMI, BMG, NBB Records, Dabliu Records, Columna Musica, Ema Vinci. He participates in festivals such as: Martha Argerich Project, Oleg Kagan Festival, Moscow International Music Festival, Verbier Festival, Telaviv Music International Festival.
In 1997 he won the international second bassoon competition at the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, working with Mehta, Maazel, Abbado, Muti, Prêtre, Sawallisch, Chailly, Ozawa.
In 2006 he founded the improvised Jewish music quartet Klezmerata Fiorentina and in 2015 the modern trio Quartocolore, with which, as an accordionist and composer, he explored the sounds and genres of the accordion world.
Giulio Vesprini
/in Blog, Figurative Art, Music /by IFFWe are happy to introduce Giulio Vesprini the Italian part of our art exhibition Italian Fusion – A visual Art Show – Shane O’Driscoll e Giulio Vesprini in mostra. Italian Fusion is the third exhibition in the series “The art of Italian illustration 2022” organized by the Italian Institute of Culture in Dublin throughout 2022. Attendance is free. The exhibition will be open from 16th June to 2nd July 2022 on weekdays only (10am-1pm and 2.30pm-4.30pm). More info here and here the booklet .
Giulio Vesprini (°1980, Civitanova Marche, Italy) is an urban artist and graphic designer who works in a variety of media. He has attended two major schools: Accademy of Fine Arts and the Departement of Architecture. With a subtle minimalistic approach, Vesprini focuses on the idea of ‘public space’ and more specifically on spaces where graphic and wall can be united at any given moment: the non-private space and space that is economically uninteresting can become utility space. His artworks are often about contact with architecture and graphic elements.
By applying abstraction, he creates intense personal moments masterfully created by means of rules and omissions, acceptance and refusal, luring the viewer round and round in circles. His practice provides some graphic tools with a minimalist approach in the world of art: these meticulously planned works resound and resonate with images culled from the fantastical realm of imagination.
In a search for new methods to ‘read the city’, he creates work in which a fascination with the clarity of content and attitude towards conceptual and minimal art can be found. His work doesn’t reference at recognisable form but Vesprini focuses the results in one word, the word that he love: “Archigrafia” where he deconstructed this concept to the extent that meaning is shifted and possible interpretation becomes multifaceted. He has obtained various awards and publications related to his graphic design, wall paint and illustration work.
Info: www.giuliovesprini.com
Almonte & Molina – A Guitar Duologue
/in Blog, Music /by IFFWe are happy to introduce the Latin Jazz part of our lineup. This year the Italian Fusion Festival presents Almonte and Molina – A Guitar Duologue.
Growing up in the hothouse of Latin-American rhythms and styles, and schooled in the art of jazz and improvisation, the duo explores and develops time-honoured songs and original compositions in a unique and innovative style. Rodrigo Almonte (Peru) and Orlando Molina (Chile/Venezuela) are both guitarists and composers, and they have combined forces to create an artistic work that blends elements of Jazz and Latin-American Music which welcome the listener to experience the duo’s musical friendship.
Originally from Venezuela, Orlando Molina has gained recognition not only for his mastery as a guitarist and composer but also for his versatility as a musician. He has been invited to perform for important public figures such as Mr. President Michael D. Higgins (Ireland), Wynton Marsalis, David Bisbal, Ruben Blades, Conor McGregor among others. In addition, Orlando has performed, toured and recorded with artists such as Andreas Morricone, Gustavo Dudamel, Ronan Guilfoyle, Miguel Siso, Phil Ware, Marie Séférian, David Pabón, Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, Guaco, Orquesta Sinfónica de Venezuela, Chino y Nacho, Oscarcito, Andy Duran, Simón Bolívar Big Band, ‘El Sistema Nacional de Orquestas Sinfónicas de Venezuela’, to name just a few.
More info: www.orlandomolinamusic.com
Rodrigo Almonte is a Peruvian guitarist and composer based in Dublin. He has played extensively on the Peruvian and European jazz scene with his own different musical projects. His lyrical melodies, fresh chords and intricate rhythms are equally present and well-balanced on his solos and compositions. With his South American and contemporary jazz influences, Almonte brings a unique approach to music. Rodrigo’s latest album ‘Distancia’ is already available on all digital platforms.
More info: www.rodrigoalmonte.com
Italian Fusion Festival 2022 Flyer
/in Blog, Marketing, Press /by IFFItalian Fusion Festival 2022
The Italian Fusion Festival is coming back
/in Blog /by IFFThe Italian Fusion Festival is coming back! Stay tuned and book the date!
Italian Fusion Festival 2021 edition is cancelled
/in Blog, Press /by IFFWe are sorry to announce that due to the measures to control the spread of COVID-19 and the lack of public contributions this year the Italian Fusion Festival will not go ahead.
Here you can find last year virtual edition if you missed it.
We are looking forward to the next year’s live edition.
Arrivederci
Maurizio & the Festival Team
Grazie e Arrivederci 2020
/in Blog /by Maurizio PittauI wish to thank the audience for watching the fourth edition of the Italian Fusion Festival!
To decide to go ahead with the festival during the health crisis which struck 2020 was not easy, but we are happy about our decision to organise another edition of our festival in livestream. Those who watch the livestream and would like to send their feedback can do so by e-mailing info@italianfusionfestival.com
If you are a musician/filmmaker/artist/ poet based in Ireland and you would like to participate to the next edition of the Italian fusion festival please contact us.
If you are business and are you interested in one of our sponsorship packages get in touch and we will be happy to assist you. Contact us also to become an Italian Fusion Festival volunteer next year.
If you wish to stay in touch and know when the early bird tickets are available and buy the ticket in advance, you can subscribe to the Radio Dublino newsletter where we’ll announce the next year’s festival edition or follow our facebook page and our other social media channels.
We also wish to thank everyone who collaborated with us:
Last but not least, I huge thank you to the team for making this edition possible: Giuseppe Crupi, Silvana Benedetto, Alessandra Luppino, Valentina Settomini, Lorena Lampedecchia. This event was entirely organised with the efforts of committed volunteers who regularly volunteer the Radio Dublino community project.
Stay in touch with us (Website, Radio Dublino, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube) and we look forward to seeing you next year.
Ciao
Maurizio Pittau
Festival Director
Winner Short-video Competition 2020
/in Blog, Video /by Maurizio PittauCockles & Mussels by Bruno Barone is the winner of the Short-Video Competition at the Italian Fusion Festival.
Bruno Barone is an actor, director and playwright from Italy. He was born in Naples in 1979. After taking his degree in Management Engineering at Federico II University of Naples, he graduated from Tasso Musical Academy in Sorrento. After that he moved to Milan where he could improve his acting with master Claudio Orlandini and with the French pedagogue Jean Paul Denizon. Meanwhile he continued his studies in singing following the EVT Voicecraft method, with Loretta Martinez, then becoming a certified teacher.
His work has been mainly focused on prose and Musical (“Amalfi Musical”, “70 times 7”: best unreleased musical in Italy 2016), leading him to perform in important theatres such as ‘Mercadante’ and ‘Augusteo’ (Naples), ‘Teatro Nuovo’ (Milan) and in important contests as the ‘Milan Gospel Festival’.
He also worked with the Canadian travelling company “Caravan Stage Company”, being part of an international cast during the “Command Performance” tour.
As author and director in theatre he participated in the “Napoli Teatro Festival Italia 2015” with the show “P.I.A. – the Principle of Uncertainty of a Soul” , selected in the competition “Inventaria 2017” and winner in the competition “Corti della Formica 2017” with the pièce “Acqua Sporca”, author and director for the show “Protocollo XY”
He finally approached for the first time to the video production field during the international contest ‘Kino Kabaret’. He founded the ‘BRAVEMAN productions’ company, producing many short films including “The Spell”, “Never Forget” and “Cockles and Mussels”, premiere at “Milano Film Festival 2016” (out of competition) and selected for ICFF 2017 CANADA.
Motivation:
“Cockles and mussels depicts the healing and uplifting power of the true soul of Dublin represented by one of its most iconic characters. Far from the aesthetics of the international business European capital, the town is presented in its alleys where a marginalized member of society feels embraced by the city. This encounter between two women so different and yet so close will give to the protagonist the hope and strength to move forward. The narrative moves away from the most popular image of Dublin as a land of career opportunities and stays true to the most authentic character of the town down-to-earth, non assuming, welcoming and wise.”
Short-Video Competition 2020 | Special Mention
Other Finalists
Roy Paci and Francesco Furlanich guests
/in Blog /by Maurizio PittauIn this edition, we will interview two Italian musicians: Roy Paci and Francesco Furlanich.
Roy Paci
photo credits: Youness Taouil
Roy Paci is a singer, trumpeter, composer, record producer and founder of the Etnagigante label and production company. Born in Augusta (Syracuse, Italy) in 1969, he began playing the piano at a very young age and started playing the trumpet at the age of ten.
In 35 years of career, he has produced and participated in more than 500 albums, collaborating with the likes of Manu Chao, Mike Patton, Negrita, The Ex, Vinicio Capossela, Gogol Bordello, Macaco, 99 Posse, Daniele Silvestri, Bombino, Caparezza, Hindi Zahra, Ivano Fossati, Subsonica, Piero Pelù, Marlene Kuntz, Frankie Hi-nrg, Tony Levin and many others. He has made soundtracks for cinema, TV and theatre receiving various awards including the prestigious Nastro d’Argento and a nomination for the David di Donatello.
With his band Aretuska, he animated European and Latin American stages with a hybrid but personal sound which marries his regional Mediterranean quotes with Latin rhythms such as samba and cumbia, as well as ska, reggae, R & B and Jazz. Other active projects include Banda Ionica, Corleone and Orchestra del Fuoco and for 5 years he has been the artistic director of Uno Maggio Taranto.
Among the latest releases is Fight for freedom: tribute to Muhammad Ali (Etnagigante, 2017) in collaboration with Remo Anzovino. At the end of September of the same year, he released two singles, Tira (with text written by Daniele Silvestri) and Revolution, followed by Valelapena (Etnagigante / Artist First), the sixth album by Roy Paci & Aretuska.
In February 2018 he participated to the 68th edition of the Sanremo Festival together with Diodato with the song Ora. In July 2018 the last single Roy Paci and Aretuska released Salvagente (Etnagigante / Artist First), with the participation of Willie Peyote, one of the most brilliant rappers of the moment. A track with a funky groove won the Amnesty International Prize “Voices for Freedom” 2019.
In February 2019 he duetted with Negrita and Enrico Ruggeri at the 69th edition of the Sanremo Festival and in June the new single of Mamacita in feat was released. While tirelessly continuing the “Valelapena Tour” around Itay, Roy Paci started his collaboration in theatre playing as an actor and author of the music of The Knights by Aristophanes at the 2018 Greek Tragedy Festival in Syracuse (Italy). Shortly after his first theatrical show, Carapace premiered in March 2019. Carapace sees him on stage as an actor as well as a musician, accompanied by the Corleone Ensemble. In December 2019 he return to Corleone, experimental and avant-garde jazz with references to many other artists.
In May 2020, Roy released, Siamo Capaci, in the occasion of the 28th anniversary of the mafia attacks to Giovanni Falcone, Francesca Morvillo, Paolo Borsellino and their staff. The event, entitled “the courage of every day”, was dedicated to the commitment of all citizens who worked for the good of the community in the months of Covid-19 emergency. Roy Paci also released the single and the video of the song. The text, written in four hands by Roy and Giuseppe Anastasi, wants to be a song of rebirth in a historical period where it is necessary to send a strong message, to avoid sinking our land into the darkness of the past. All proceeds from the sale of the song will be donated in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to the Pertini school in the Sperone district of Palermo, recently vandalized and to other schools in difficult contexts in the area .; in collaboration with the Free Association in support of educational projects aimed at young Sicilians.
Francesco Furlanich
Francesco Furlanich, was born in Trieste in 1969. He graduated in Piano, Bassoon, Organ and Organ Composition.
He records for RAI and for various record companies, EMI, BMG, NBB Records, Dabliu Records, Columna Musica, Ema Vinci. He participates in festivals such as: Martha Argerich Project, Oleg Kagan Festival, Moscow International Music Festival, Verbier Festival, Telaviv Music International Festival.
In 1997 he won the international second bassoon competition at the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, working with Mehta, Maazel, Abbado, Muti, Prêtre, Sawallisch, Chailly, Ozawa.
In 2006 he founded the improvised Jewish music quartet Klezmerata Fiorentina and in 2015 the modern trio Quartocolore, with which, as an accordionist and composer, he explored the sounds and genres of the accordion world.
Italian Fusion Festival 2020 Promo Video
/in Blog, Video /by Maurizio PittauShort Video Competition 2020 Short-list
/in Blog, Video /by Maurizio PittauCorto is back this year in its online version. Here you can find the works shortlisted for the 2020 edition of the Festival. We are overwhelmed by the response of the Hiberno – Italian shortmovie productions.
During the Italian Fusion Festival 2020 on the 25th July the finalists will be screened live on streaming introduced by a quick chat with the directors.
As every year we will give a special mention for the winner of the Spirit of the Festival award and we will announce the winner that will be awarded with a small cash price.
Citizen Frame by Salvatore Polizzi
Banana Silent Movie by Frederice Klinge
Ducks Fly Together by Cilléin McEvoy
Lady Macbeth and the Monologue of the Raven by Chiara Provenzano
Cockles & Mussels by Bruno Barone
Room to Let by Ferdia Murphy
Different directions by Sefora Castro