The Unwavering Spirit of Pino Calautti: A Tribute to Ferrara’s Musical Heartbeat
Ah, Ferrara! A city that’s apparently trying to make a name for itself as the gravitational center of “great songwriting” since, let’s be honest, if you’re not in New York, Nashville, or London, you might need a good marketing strategy. Pino Calautti had that strategy: make Ferrara the new Club Tenco! And why not? After all, who doesn’t want to host a musical revolution in a place famous for its Renaissance architecture and—dare I say—great pasta?
The man dreamt big! But sadly, his dreams hit a bit of a roadblock in 2019, coincidentally the same year Ferrara decided it wanted to put the “fun” in “fundamental disruption of cultural events.” That was also the last edition of the “Waiting for Godot – Historic and new songwriting” festival. And let’s face it, Godot was probably still in traffic on the way to the festival, wondering what all the fuss was about.
Musical Renaissance Hosted by Local Legends
Over the intermittent years of this festival, Ferrara saw performances that would make any musical aficionado weep tears of joy. We’re talking names like Claudio Lolli and Eugenio Finardi—legends who’ve graced the stages and charmingly wowed the crowds until they realized they were still several Euros short for a snack!
This indomitable spirit carries forward as Pino’s family and friends gather to keep his dream alive by opening the doors to the Sala Estense for the ninth festival of author’s music on November 9. It’s like they’re saying, “Pino may have left the stage, but the show must go on!” And, let’s be real, the stage is going to be packed with “old friends,” which really means, it’s a reunion where nobody knows who’s taking the last slice of pizza!
Who’s Coming to the Party?
The artist list is a who’s who of Ferrara’s music scene, with names that don’t just ring a bell but practically set off fireworks. Expect to see Massimiliano Cranchi, Marco Stella, and of course, the illustrious Giulio Wilson, fresh from an international tour and ready to hit it outta the park! I mean, if international tours and taking Ferrara by storm doesn’t scream musical achievements, what does?
Now, free entry for this event sounds like a catch, doesn’t it? A chance to bask in musical talent without accidentally putting a heavy strain on your wallet, unlike that last self-help course you might have signed up for three months ago!
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Now, while we’re diving deep into Pino’s legacy and the promising future of Ferrara’s music scene, let’s not forget the vital work done by independent journalists. For 18 years, news platforms like Estense.com have bravely soldiered on without public funds, ensuring you receive news without that lingering feeling of being taxed for your own entertainment.
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So here’s to Pino, to Ferrara, and to keeping the dream of musical utopia alive! Because in the end, every note played in honor of Pino’s legacy is a step closer to achieving his dream. Now, who’s up for a concert?
His dream was to transform Ferrara into “the gravitational center of the entire north-east of great songwriting,” akin to a second Club Tenco, a vision fueled by his passion for music and culture. However, that dream encountered an abrupt halt in 2019, marking the conclusion of the “Waiting for Godot – Historic and new songwriting” event, which had been a cultural beacon for the community over its eight-year run in Ferrara.
The festival’s various editions showcased an impressive roster of artists, featuring acclaimed performers like Claudio Lolli, known for his poignant lyrics; Giorgio Conte, whose unique blend of styles captured hearts; Eugenio Finardi, a staple of the Italian music scene; and many other luminaries including Alberto Camerini, Marco Ferradini, Flaco Biondini, Francesco Baccini, Alberto Fortis, Mimmo Locasciulli, Goran Kuzminac, and Massimo Bubola. These artists contributed their talents to an event that celebrated the richness of songwriting and performance.
Behind this remarkable initiative was Pino Calautti, affectionately referred to by friends as a “healthy bearer of utopia” and lovingly described as a “wrinkled poet” by his partner Giovanna. His commitment to fostering true musical culture in Ferrara was instrumental in achieving the festival’s success. Tragically, Pino Calautti passed away in February of this year, yet the legacy of his passion for the city and its music will endure through the efforts of his family and friends.
“We promised Pino and we are ready to go!” proclaimed his family, eagerly announcing that they will revive the spirit of the festival. They are set to open the doors of the Sala Estense on the evening of Saturday, November 9, starting at 6 pm, heralding the ninth edition of the author’s music festival in his honor.
Many familiar faces from previous editions are set to join in the tribute for Pino – the family expressed. “There will be many of our ‘old friends’ playing and singing for Pino. While we could have had numerous additional participants, the time constraints limited our ability to invite everyone who has graced the festival stages, all of whom were selected for their artistic merit and the human qualities that define this vibrant cultural circle.”
The anticipated lineup includes talents such as Massimiliano Cranchi, Cesare Lo Leggio, Marco Stella, Dante Francani, and Giulio Wilson, who recently completed an international tour with Inti Illimani. Also performing are Max Manfredi, Marco Spiccio, Alice Nappi, Mario Castelnuovo in a trio with Giovanna Famulari and Stefano Zaccagnini, along with Gian Piero Alloisio, Paolo Capodacqua, and Giacomo Lelli.
“All the musicians – adds the Calautti family – will perform out of friendship for Pino. We are moved by how his name has opened so many doors for us, allowing us to carry forward his dream.”
Free entry. Information and reservations: ass.spettandogodot@libero.it, 3342449244.
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**Interview with Massimo Altomare: A Musician’s Tribute to Pino Calautti**
*Interviewer*: Today, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Massimo Altomare, a beloved musician in Ferrara and a key participant in the upcoming festival honoring the late Pino Calautti. Massimo, thank you for joining us!
*Massimo Altomare*: Thank you for having me! It’s an honor to be here and to reflect on Pino’s legacy.
*Interviewer*: Let’s dive right in. Pino Calautti had a bold vision for Ferrara as a new hub for great songwriting. How did his vision impact you as an artist?
*Massimo*: Pino was a true visionary. He inspired many of us to see Ferrara not just as a historical city but as a vibrant musical landscape. His passion for music and culture was infectious and motivated us to push our artistic boundaries. He basically said, “Why not us?”
*Interviewer*: Unfortunately, his dreams faced challenges, culminating in the discontinuation of the “Waiting for Godot” festival in 2019. What does it mean for you and the other musicians to bring back this festival, even if it’s under sad circumstances?
*Massimo*: It’s bittersweet. On one hand, we’re celebrating Pino’s life and his unbeatable spirit. On the other, it’s hard to accept his absence. But we all agreed that this festival is a tribute to him, and like he would say, “The show must go on.” It’s our way of keeping his dream alive and continuing the conversation he started about music and community.
*Interviewer*: The lineup for this year’s festival is impressive, with familiar faces returning to celebrate Pino. What can audiences expect from the performances?
*Massimo*: Expect a vibrant mix! The musicians coming together are all friends of Pino, and they’ll bring their heartfelt interpretations and unique styles to the stage. Each performance will be filled with stories, laughter, and perhaps an emotional moment or two. It’ll be just like a family reunion—with music!
*Interviewer*: You mentioned the free entry to the event. Why was that decision made, and what does it signify about this tribute?
*Massimo*: It reflects Pino’s belief that music should be accessible to everyone. He wanted to create a community that welcomed all people—regardless of their backgrounds. This festival is about honoring that value: inviting everyone to share in Pino’s memory through music without any barriers.
*Interviewer*: Turning to the future, how do you see Pino’s influence continuing in Ferrara’s music scene?
*Massimo*: Pino created a foundation for future artists. His spirit still circulates through the music and the community he cultivated. I believe his vision will inspire a new generation to continue exploring songwriting and performance, perhaps even creating their pathways. We owe it to him to keep pushing the musical boundaries of Ferrara.
*Interviewer*: And lastly, Massimo, any personal anecdotes about Pino you’d like to share?
*Massimo*: Oh, absolutely! We had this one rehearsal where Pino insisted that we all try singing a song in a different key. It was hilarious! We were all over the place, but he just laughed and said, “That’s where the magic happens!” It was moments like those that showed how he viewed music—not just as a performance, but as a shared experience full of joy and creativity.
*Interviewer*: Thank you, Massimo, for sharing these insights and memories of Pino Calautti. We’re looking forward to the festival and celebrating his enduring legacy.
*Massimo*: Thank you! I can’t wait to honor Pino’s memory together with everyone next Saturday!
