On Saturday 16 August 2025, the town of Noli will host the second edition of the “Gran Galà Renata Scotto” at 9 pm in Piazza Chiappella. This event forms part of the “Noli Musica Festival” and takes place in the historic maritime republic, acknowledging the legacy of the renowned soprano Renata Scotto, who resided in the Ligurian village for many years, a location often cited among Italy’s most beautiful towns.
Renata Scotto, an honorary citizen of Noli, maintained a close connection with the town and the music festival, frequently participating in its activities. In 2010, during the festival’s inaugural edition, she was awarded the “Premio Città di Noli – Una vita per la Musica.” Following the success of the first Gran Galà evening, which featured performances by friends and students in her memory, this year’s programme includes a rendition of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, a significant 20th-century work.
The performance will feature the Genova Vocal Consort choir, comprising 80 singers conducted by Pierluigi Rosso, alongside three soloists: soprano Sofia Pezzi, countertenor Luigi Schifano, and baritone Tiziano Tassi. The musical accompaniment will be provided by two grand pianos, played by Roberto Mingarini and Simone Giusto, as well as five percussionists from the Ensemble Carl Orff. Giovanni Di Stefano, the conductor and president of the Opera Giocosa of Savona, who was also a personal friend of Scotto, will lead the ensemble. Di Stefano noted that Scotto had “signed her final productions for the Savona theatre.”
Following the musical performance, a tribute video message from Placido Domingo will be shown. Scotto had a long-standing collaboration with Domingo during their years at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. At this event, Domingo will receive the “Premio Città di Noli – Una vita per la Musica 2025,” a recognition that symbolically continues the award given to Scotto in 2010. The evening will be hosted by journalist Marco Gervino.
The Noli Musica Festival will conclude on Sunday 24 August at 9 pm in Piazza Stettini with a show titled “Johann Strauss, the King of the Waltz,” which marks the bicentenary of the composer’s birth. The production will include soprano Linda Campanella, the orchestra Le Muse, and actor Carlo Deprati, and will explore the story of a family “that danced on the edge.”
Tickets and further information are available from the Municipality of Noli’s Events Office, the Feltrinelli Bookshop in Savona, or online at visitnoli.it. In the event of adverse weather, performances will be relocated to the Church of Sant’Anna.