ROME, 8 FEB. – A Roman tribute to Tony Renis ahead of the 21st edition of the Los Angeles, Italia – Film, Fashion and Art Festival, scheduled in Hollywood from March 8 to 14, on the eve of Oscar Night. The musician and producer was celebrated during a gala evening, a symbolic prelude to the happening produced by Pascal Vicedomini for the Capri in the World Institute, with the support of the Italian Ministry of Culture (MIC), the patronage of MAECI and MIMIT, in collaboration with Intesa Sanpaolo, Rainbow and Givova, and with the participation of the Italian Consulate General and the Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles.
Amid applause, music and memories, during the Roman evening at “Gabriello” hosted by the Conti brothers, Tony Renis shared anecdotes and moments from his long international career, encouraging Monica Guerritore ahead of her Hollywood experience for the U.S. premiere of the film Anna, which she wrote, directed and stars in, dedicated to Anna Magnani. The atmosphere evoked the spirit of the great Roman “Dolce Vita”, enriched by several musical moments. Guerritore performed the classic Roman song “Er barcarolo”, while Lina Sastri—who two years ago brought La casa di Ninetta to Los Angeles and was among the first actresses to portray Anna Magnani in Celluloide by Carlo Lizzani—dedicated “Era de Maggio” to Renis (the month of Tony’s birth).
Sharing the tribute to the Milan-born artist—who throughout his career collaborated with legends such as Frank Sinatra and Quincy Jones, and supported the rise of Julio Iglesias, Andrea Bocelli, Nikka Costa and Il Volo—were Nicola Claudio (President of Rai Cinema), Daniele Taddei (President of ANICA – Technical Enterprises Union), Nicola Corigliano (Head of Intesa Sanpaolo’s Audiovisual Desk), Giovanni Acanfora and Pina Lodovico (President and CEO of Givova), Francesco Bove (President of AILA Foundation), and artist B. Zarro, commissioned to curate a dedicated exhibition on the life and career of the legendary musician. The musical highlight of the evening was the performance in Tony’s honor by singer-actor Coky Ricciolino, accompanied by Andrea Tardioli on saxophone, Davide Palma on piano, and special guest Moustapha Mbengue, actor and musician, on percussion. The night closed with a duet by Renis and Ricciolino on “Quando, quando, quando”, met with applause and a standing ovation.
The tribute to Tony Renis will continue in Hollywood, where, as part of the Festival, a documentary dedicated to Renis produced by Rai Teche will also be presented. The homage is part of the program of the 21st edition of Los Angeles, Italia, chaired by producer Raffaella De Laurentiis with Filippo Puglisi Alibrandi.
