MIC – Ministry of Culture
Municipality of L’Aquila
The municipalities of Amatrice, Camerino, and Norcia
Abruzzo Region
Main Sponsor: SIAE – Italian Society of Authors and Publishers
Main Sponsor: NUOVO IMAIE – New Mutual Aid Institute for Performing Artists
Cassa di Risparmio della Provincia dell’Aquila Foundation
the organizing association Jazz all’Aquila
in collaboration with the National Federation of Italian Jazz
present the 11th edition
Italian Jazz for the Earthquake-Stricken Areas
August 29–31: Walk and concerts in Camerino, Castelluccio di Norcia, and Amatrice
September 6 and 7 in L’Aquila: 300 musicians, 18 venues in the historic center
#jazz4italy
Everything is ready forthe 11th edition of “Italian Jazz for the Earthquake-Stricken Areas.” Two days of music, exhibitions, and events dedicated to jazz in L’Aquila: on Saturday, September 6, and Sunday, September 7, from morning to night, 300 artists (including bands, choirs, marching bands, and orchestras) will perform at 18 different venues throughout the city’s historic center.
As it does every year, the festival in L’Aquila is preceded by the Cammino Solidale (organized in collaboration with the associations Musicamdo and Fara Music), featuring three days of concerts and hiking (August 29–31) that will move from Camerino to Castelluccio di Norcia and Amatrice, thus passing through—as is tradition—the regions involved in the event ahead of the weekend in L’Aquila; The program features urban walks and sustainable hikes to explore the area, as well as concerts by some of the best new talents in Italian jazz, organized in collaboration with the Musicisti Italiani di Jazz association.
Admission remains free for most concerts; tickets will be required only for the live performances scheduled on the main stage in San Bernardino and on the stages in Piazza Santa Margherita and Parco del Castello (daily pass for the three stages: 5 euros; two-day pass: 10 euros).
“Italian Jazz for the Earthquake-Stricken Areas” is the only event that, since 2015, has brought—and continues to bring—to the city of L’Aquila and the regions affected by the 2016 earthquake the most significant and extensive representation of Italian jazz, as well as a tangible demonstration of how culture and live performance contribute decisively to the building and strengthening of local communities.
This year’s theme,“The Unexpected L’Aquila,”invites the public to discover a city capable of surprising, reinventing, and transforming itself, and inspires an innovative approach that blends tradition, research, and experimentation. Following this central theme, the festival reinterprets the region from a fresh perspective, transforming fragility and memories into creative energy and symbols of collective rebirth.
With over 4,000 artists having performed over its eleven editions, the festival goes beyond a celebration of jazz: it is a vibrant and dynamic cultural project that contributes to the social and cultural revival of communities affected by earthquakes. The concerts are held in historic venues, monuments, and courtyards of newly restored buildings, which are transformed into tangible symbols of renewal; the architectural heritage is highlighted, and the communities’ sense of belonging is restored.
The artistic direction for 2025 is entrusted to highly acclaimed professionals: Silvia Bolognesi (double bassist and composer), Luca D’Agostino (photographer), and Filippo D’Urzo (cultural organizer). Their work has given rise to a program that explores new collaborations between music and other artistic disciplines—such as photography, film, and dance—while seamlessly integrating with the needs and traditions of the participating regions. The program remains immersive and closely tied to the city’s most evocative locations, including venues and courtyards opened especially for the occasion, as well as a choral segment dedicated to marching bands.
THE PROGRAM
On Saturday, September 6, the day will begin at 11 a.m. at the Alfredo Casella Conservatory with a performance by the Conservatory’s Big Band, and will then continue at 4 p.m. in the city center with a variety of projects ranging from solo performances—including the electronic explorations of Nicoletta Taricani (vocals & live electronics) and Cristiano Pomante (vibraphone & electronics), Fabrizio Puglisi, and Zeno De Marco. Alongside these, the program features original ensembles and groups, with a focus on the new generation of musicians such as GEA and the duo Dialogues, with Sophia Tomelleri on saxophone and Simone Basile on guitar; Clara Gizzi and Gabrio Baldacci; collective projects and special productions, such as the quartet“From Gershwin to Bacharach”featuring Piero Delle Monache, Dino Rubino, and Tito Mangialajo, which explores the great American songbook reinterpreted through a jazz lens.
There is no shortage of projects promoted by MIDJ, featuring the energyof the Alessio Zoratto 4et and the compositional maturityof the Oscar Del Barba Trio, while the historic Alexanderplatz Jazz Club brings the Bassmat collective to L’Aquila, bringing together musicians of the caliber of Pippo Matino, Daniele Scannapieco, Giovanni Imparato, Roberto Schiano, and Pierpaolo Ferroni.
One of the most interactive moments will certainly be “Aria Vibrante, ” the orchestral project conceived by Tony Cattano in collaboration with four local bands (Music Together Band, Banda Musicale dell’Aterno, Banda Armonie Sirentina, and Banda di Paganica), weaving together community, the local area, and improvisation. Also worth noting, among others, arethe Esmeralda Sella Trio, with an elegant and dynamic repertoire; the Claudia Pantalone Trio, presenting an original and unique program for the occasion; and the Il-legal Jazz Quartet led by Gianni Taglialatela, blending groove, interplay, and a metropolitan spirit.
For the main stage, the Scalinata di San Bernardino has been confirmed as the venue, where the following acts will perform on the evening of Saturday, September 6: “Guantanamo, ” the project led by Fabrizio Puglisi, which combines acoustic and electric instruments in a sonic journey characterized by an irregular groove and a strong tonal impact. Following that will be one of the most fascinating and experimental productions of the entire festival: “TILT: Conduction for L’Aquila, ” a large-scale improvisation directed in real time by Giovanni Maier, who leads an ensemble composed of some of the most creative musicians on the Italian scene—including Flavio Zanuttini, Tobia Bondesan, Anna Talbot, and Emanuele Parrini —joined by young musicians and soloists from the city. A truly spontaneous orchestra that embodies the dialogue between generations, regions, and improvisational practices. To wrap up the evening, a special event that combines singer-songwriter music, jazz, and symphonic orchestration: the Avion Travel & Medit Orchestra, featuring Peppe Servillo on vocals, Mario Tronco on keyboards, Peppe D’Argenzio on woodwinds, the rhythm section with Mimì Ciaramella and Ferruccio Spinetti, and conducted by Maestro Angelo Valori.
Music intertwines with learning and experience right from the morning: at the Palazzetto dei Nobili, the workshop “L’occhio in ascolto” (The Listening Eye), organized by AFIJ, comes to life for budding young photographers and explorers of images and sounds. At the same time, in the courtyard of Palazzo Margherita, the Educational Space organized by Nati nelle Note welcomes children ages 0 to 5 to musical activities designed specifically for young children.
This afternoon marks the opening of “Suoni tra le mura” (Sounds Within the Walls), a special collaboration with the National Museum of Abruzzo that takes the audience inside the 16th-century castle—the East Bastion and the Mammut Hall—in a unique setting where music and cultural heritage come together. Marking the passage of time within the castle walls are solo performances by Flavio Zanuttini (trumpet, 4:00 p.m.) and Emanuele Parrini (violin, 5:00 p.m.). Guided tours are by reservation only (max. 15 people) at the Fontana Luminosa Infopoint.
At 5:00 p.m., at Libreria Colacchi, Giancarlo Schiaffini and Francesca Scigliuzzo will present “Talento e Memoria, ” a tribute to Luigi Nono that intertwines words and sound. Meanwhile, at 6:00 p.m., Corso Vittorio Emanuele will host the explosive urban parade by Panealeåke, a wind and percussion ensemble known for its powerful rhythmic and performative impact.
Meanwhile, at Palazzo Margherita—Conference Hall, in collaboration with MIDJ and AFIJ, a series of performances blending photography and live music will take place: “Inner Landscapes” with Virginia Sutera and Caterina Di Perri (4:30 p.m.), “Back to the Roots” with Edoardo Cian and Roberto Manzi (5:15 p.m.), and “Until Proven Otherwise” with Natalia Abbascià and Angelo Salvin (6:00 p.m.).
MAXXI L’Aquila is hosting two events at Palazzo Ardinghelli: in the courtyard, at 5:30 p.m., a concert-dialogue featuring Gianni Coscia (accordion) and Alessandro D’Alessandro (organetto), who have chosen L’Aquila to present their album “93/39 39/93, ”set for release on September 6. Coscia, who turned 94 in January, is a special guest, returning after 10 years to perform as part of “Jazz Italiano per le terre del sisma.” Following that, in the Sala Voliera at 6:30 p.m., there will be a screening of an audiovisual documentary with live music, produced in collaboration with the A. Casella Conservatory and the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia.
On Sunday, September 7, the day will begin at the Parco della Memoria at 10:00 a.m. with the traditional commemoration of the victims of the 2009 earthquake, which this year will be held in conjunction with the commemoration of the 1976 Friuli earthquake, in a moment of shared remembrance; for the occasion, an original festival production combining a choir, an instrumental ensemble, and creative direction will be presented: “Words and Music for Tomorrow, ” featuring Jacob de Haan’s *Missa Brevis* conducted by Achille Succi, together with the Le Colone Choir of Castions di Strada,the Assolo Choir, the L’Aquila Youth Choir, and an ensemble from the A. Casella Conservatory. This will be followed by the collective performance “Unisono Imprevisto, ” dedicated to shared improvisation.
At 12:30 p.m., in the intimate settingof the Oratory of Sant’Antonio dei Cavalieri de Nardis, Nicola Tirelli pays tribute to Erik Satie with an organ concert. Elsewhere, music comes alive again in many corners of the city center: at the 16th-century castle, “Suoni tra le mura” returns, in collaboration with the National Museum of Abruzzo, featuring solo performances by Ferruccio Spinetti (4:00 p.m., double bass) and Tony Cattano (5:00 p.m., trombone); reservations required; at MAXXI L’Aquila, there are two events: at 5:30 p.m. in the courtyard, a solo performance by Nicolò Faraglia (guitar); at 6:30 p.m., in the Sala Voliera, a screening of an audiovisual documentary with live music, in collaboration with the A. Casella Conservatory and the Experimental Center for Cinematography.
At the Polarville Bookstore, at 5:00 p.m., Flavio Massarutto will host the event “Jazz and Comics,” while on Corso Vittorio Emanuele, there will be a series of performances and a workshop by the Ginger Swing collective (5:00 p.m.) followed by a concert by the GEA trio (6:00 p.m.). In Piazza Santa Margherita, the spotlight is on the young winners of national competitions: SaihS (Conad Umbria Jazz Award, 4:30 p.m.), the Matteo Paggi 5et (New Generation Jazz Award, 5:30 p.m.) and the Flo – Zanis ANDA quartet (6:30 p.m.), featuring Flo, Enrico Zanisi, Joe Rehmer, and Alessandro Paternesi.
At Palazzo Lucentini Bonanni, starting at 4:00 p.m., the program features a performance by Alessandra Diodati’s trio, a solo by Alessio Zoratto, and the Bondesan–Maier duo, while at Palazzo Cappa Cappelli, audiences can enjoy the intense sounds of Virginia Genta (saxophone solo, 4:30 p.m.), Antonio Scannapieco’s trio (Massimo Urbani Award winner, 5:30 p.m.), and an electronic concert by Alessandro D’Alessandro (6:30 p.m.). On Corso – Piazza del Duomo, at 5:30 p.m., the musical experience becomes a community event with the Music Together Band, blending education and celebration.
At Parco del Castello, four back-to-back concerts: La Buona Novella (4:00 p.m.), Giulia Galliani GAL (5:00 p.m.), Pietro Santangelo’s PS5 5et (6:00 p.m.), and the Parbleu collective (7:00 p.m.), which will close out the evening with a rhythmic and vocal explosion.
The educational activities organized by Nati nelle Note in the courtyard of Palazzo Margherita will continue on Sunday as well, running from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with music workshops for young children (ages 0–5), while at 4:30 p.m., the Conference Room of the same building will host a presentation of the works created by the young participants in the “L’occhio in ascolto” workshop, organized by AFIJ.
Selectedlocations: San Bernardino Staircase, the streets of the Historic Center, the 16th-century Castle, the Conservatory Auditorium, the Park Auditorium, Colacchi Bookstore, Polarville Bookstore, MAXXI L’Aquila, Santa Margherita Square, Palazzetto dei Nobili, Parco della Memoria, Oratory of Sant’Antonio dei Cavalieri de Nardis, the courtyards of Palazzo Cappa Cappelli, Palazzo Micheletti, Palazzo di Paola, Palazzo Lucentini Bonanni; Palazzo Margherita (seat of the City of L’Aquila). The closing concerts on Sunday will be held at Parco del Castello.
During the two evenings, awards organized by the National Federation of Italian Jazz and its member associations will also be presented.
COLLABORATIONS
It is also worth highlighting the important work of the associations that are part of the Federation—chaired by Roberto Ottaviano—in enriching the festival through the organization of side events, workshops, concerts, meetings, multimedia projects, and organizational support. In particular: the festival association, I-Jazz (presided over byAngelo Valori ), the event’s long-standing organizer and promoting entity under the memorandum of understanding signed with the City of L’Aquila, Jazz all’Aquila and the IJI Federation confirm their participation in assisting with and managing the stages during the two days of the event, thanks to the numerous associated artistic directors who will be present—longtime figures who have supported the organization for years; I-Jazz also supports the three bands selected as part of the “Nuova Generazione Jazz” project: Marco Centasso’s Um/Welt, Matteo Paggi’s Giraffe, and Mopoke (Taste of Jazz Award); The MIDJ-Italian Jazz Musicians Association (President Susanna Stivali) will support not only the member musicians selected by the artistic directors through our CALL L’AQUILA, but also all musicians participating in the event, fostering opportunities for dialogue. The association will take this opportunity to highlight its ongoing initiatives, projects, and support efforts, and to listen to suggestions from colleagues, with the aim of creating an increasingly strong and cohesive network in support of Italian jazz musicians; The AFIJ photographers’ association (President Maurizio Magnetta) will be present for IJI with a comprehensive photographic reportage of the entire event, thanks to the dedication of the association’s member photographers. Also on the program is the third photography workshop, “Italian Jazz for the Earthquake-Affected Areas 2025,” aimed at children ages 8 to 12. Additionally, in collaboration with MIDJ, AFIJ will present special multimedia performances featuring three selected member photographers.
The collaboration with Alexanderplatz Jazz Club has also been confirmed; the club will curate the lineup at the jazz club in Piazza Santa Margherita on the evening of Saturday, September 6, featuring Collettivo Bassmat and several special guests. Also confirmed is a performance by the winning band of the Conad Jazz Contest —organized by Umbria Jazz and sponsored by Conad—and by the winner of the 2025 Massimo Urbani Award, the young trumpeter Antonio Scannapieco.
“Italian Jazz for the Earthquake-Stricken Areas” is organized by the Jazz all’Aquila association; it is sponsored and supported by the Ministry of Culture and the City of L’Aquila, and promoted by the Abruzzo Region, with the support of the main sponsors SIAE — the Italian Society of Authors and Publishers(SIAE) and NUOVO IMAIE (New Mutual Institute for Performing Artists)—as well as a contribution from the Cassa di Risparmio della Provincia dell’Aquila Foundation, technical sponsor Montarbo AEB Industriale S.r.l., and the many technical partners involved; It is organized in collaboration with the National Federation of Italian Jazz (Federazione Nazionale Il Jazz Italiano ) and features the active participation of all its member organizations. The event also features collaborations with some of the region’s most important cultural institutions, such as MUNDA —the National Museum of Abruzzo, the Alfredo Casella Conservatory, the MAXXI Museum in L’Aquila, the Experimental Center for Cinematography (Abruzzo branch), and the Solisti Aquilani.
Collaborations: Assolo Choir, Le Colone Cultural Association of Castions di Strada (Udine), Nati nelle Note, Ginger Swing, Aterno Marching Band, Armonie Sirentine, Paganica City Marching Band, Music Together Band
2024 archive photos available for download here
GENERAL INFORMATION:
PRESS OFFICE
Maurizio Quattrini maurizioquattrini@yahoo.it – 338 8485333
Guido Gaito info@gaito.it 329 0704981
Photographic material produced by the Association of Italian Jazz Photographers
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STATEMENTS
“Italian Jazz for the Earthquake-Stricken Areas is much more than a music festival: it is an event that, for years now, has accompanied and chronicled the journey of rebirth for our city and the areas affected by the earthquake. It is an event that has evolved over time, taking root in the cultural and social fabric of L’Aquila and becoming part of its identity and collective calendar. With one year to go before the major event marking L’Aquila as the 2026 Italian Capital of Culture, this event represents not only a moment of high artistic caliber but also a powerful preview of what the city is today and aspires to remain: a vibrant, creative place capable of surprising and attracting people, thanks in part to the collaborative efforts of institutions, associations, and artists. Music, with its evocative and unifying power, transforms the restored historic center into a space of shared experience and beauty, reminding us that culture also means cohesion, care, and the future. Jazz, with its freedom of expression and its penchant for improvisation, is the ideal soundtrack to tell the story of the unexpected L’Aquila: a city that never stops reinventing itself.”
Pierluigi Biondi, mayor of L’Aquila.
“The jazz scene in Italy represents an ever-growing force in the music landscape. The figures from the 2024 SIAE Report confirm this: jazz saw a 6.9% increase in the number of concerts, surpassing 7,100, with an 18.6% growth in audience numbers. And once again this year, the Italian Society of Authors and Publishers is stepping up with “Italian Jazz for the Earthquake-Stricken Areas,” an initiative we’ve supported since its inception 11 years ago: For years, we have been at the forefront of supporting projects and events that bring music and solidarity together on the path to rebuilding the social and cultural fabric of communities affected by the tragic natural disasters that have shaken Italy in recent years. In fact, SIAE’s connection to the local community is not only reflected in our widespread presence—which allows us to stand alongside authors and users every day—but also in the support the Society is ready to offer in emergency situations.”
Pivio – Member of the SIAE Management Board
“IL NUOVO IMAIE is always delighted to participate in *Il Jazz italiano per le Terre del Sisma* because it is an event that promotes music as a precious and universal asset, capable of uniting cultures and strengthening a social fabric that has been deeply affected.”
Andrea Miccichè, President of NuovoIMAIE.
“This year, more than any other, Jazz all’Aquila—in collaboration with the city’s cultural institutions—presents, through a well-curated program and a series of artist residencies, new projects that make it a showcase for Italian jazz. The event has gradually become more deeply embedded in the city over time, as if these 11 years were 11 players on a team that has gradually become stronger, more harmonious, more cohesive, and increasingly capable of listening to emerging creativity—an expression of the jazz scene and a showcase for a city that has managed to rise from its wounds. Long live Jazz all’Aquila, long live what it has brought and will continue to bring to the city, and long live the affection of the citizens of L’Aquila, who welcome this event every year with extraordinary enthusiasm.”
Corrado Beldì, President of the Jazz Association of L’Aquila
“From 2015 to the present, ‘Italian Jazz for the Earthquake-Affected Areas’ has remained true to the vision that inspired its creation. An initiative that, through its diversity and its ability to serve as a space for encounter and dialogue among musical languages, experiences, and generations, continues to represent a pivotal moment for the national jazz community.
Over the past ten years, the context has changed and new needs have emerged. However, it remains essential to uphold certain core values: a sense of gratitude toward the affected regions and communities, a commitment to building authentic and lasting relationships, and a recognition of the cultural and social role of art.
We welcome this new edition with renewed confidence, knowing that “Italian Jazz for the Earthquake-Stricken Areas” goes beyond the usual definition of a festival and stands as a unique experience: an open-air workshop, a village in motion, a shared heritage in constant evolution.”
Roberto Ottaviano, President of the Italian Jazz Federation
“The I-Jazz Association is proud to once again participate in the event *Il Jazz italiano per le terre del sisma*, of which it was one of the organizers. This event is not only a celebration of Italian jazz music, but also a powerful tool for bringing together the communities affected by the earthquake.”
This year, nationally and internationally renowned artists will perform in exclusive concerts, bringing together emerging talents and established names in an event that promises excitement and surprises. From jazz music to side events, the program is packed with activities designed to engage all music lovers, residents, and tourists—who have always turned out in large numbers to celebrate the beauty of music combined with the beauty of the surroundings.
“I’m sure that this year, too, *Il Jazz Italiano per le terre del sisma* will capture the nation’s attention thanks to the uniqueness of its program.”
Angelo Valori, President of the I-Jazz Association
The title chosen for this eleventh edition – The Unexpected Eagle —stems from a dual inspiration. On the one hand, it evokes the unpredictability that has marked the recent history of the city and other areas struck by the earthquake; on the other, it celebrates one of the most profound and vital aspects of jazz: improvisation, freedom of expression, and the ability to continually surprise and reinvent forms and languages.
It was precisely in the spirit of this openness that the artistic direction—shared for the first time by Silvia Bolognesi, Luca D’Agostino, and Filippo D’Urzo—was carried out. Three different perspectives, united by a genuine harmony, made the process of putting together the program a collaborative, deeply human, and creative experience.
For Silvia Bolognesi, the greatest value was the spontaneous and ongoing dialogue that developed with the other two directors:“a wonderful harmony that guided us for months as we put together a program in which musicians from all over Italy engage with the local arts scene, giving rise to authentic and surprising interactions that can only be discovered by coming to L’Aquila.” A vibrant interaction that makes this edition a special opportunity to renew the collective sense of making music together.
Luca D’Agostino, in his first role as the festival’s artistic director, highlights his initial excitement and gratitude for being involved, but above all the strength drawn from his relationships with his colleagues and his deep connection to the city:“Walking through the streets of L’Aquila, feeling the history pulsing through the stones, sensing the rebirth that resonates even in music and art—it was a powerful experience.” This gave rise to the idea of building bridges between regions, bringing together musicians from Friuli and L’Aquila in the spirit of a shared memory that becomes creation.
Filippo D’Urzo, the festival’s longtime stage director, sees this edition as a particularly significant milestone:“L’Aquila has become a part of my heart. Returning every year means immersing myself in a unique atmosphere that is unmatched by any other jazz festival, whether in Italy or abroad.” Alongside his artistic leadership, D’Urzo has demonstrated a deep commitment to building relationships: in his interactions with musicians, in carefully considering the many proposals received, and in his dedication to bringing together new generations, national award winners, diverse experiences, and varied perspectives—all while remaining true to the spirit of the event.
All three, together, have helped bring to life a festival that is at once a tribute and a rebirth, a showcase and a workshop, a celebration and a community. A festival that, just like jazz, knows how to embrace the unexpected and transform it into sound, into connection, into shared beauty.
