Garda Festival Highlights at Lombard Castle Without G8 Tensions
G8 Atmosphere at the Castle in the central Lombard region. No signs of mobilization from the anti-globalization crowd nor any siege state within the fortress, which serves as a hospitable and functional outdoor space wisely designated for the event. Not even the suggestive night view from above the expansive Garda Gulf, bordered to the east by the Sirmione peninsula and to the west by Punta del Vò, evokes any recollection of Genoa.
Similarities and Setting of the Castle
In common with the Ligurian capital, revamped during the G8, is the presence of a vast canvas depicting the façade of the original, now decaying, castle, installed to cover part of the medieval castle in decline. Behind it, no drapes, but only, so to speak, a building in need of restoration. A virtual facelift, but still an excellent framing for the Festival del Garda.
Thanks to the power of song and the beauty of Susanna Huckstep, the evening’s host, it drew an audience suited for a grand occasion. All this despite the location being somewhat secluded from the bustling heart of Piazza Malvezzi.
Participants and Results
In the front row, attending the Cantalago, was a crowd of provincial administrators and local politicians, led by Mayor Felice Anelli and Councillor Massimo Ghidelli. The latter, so enthusiastic and captivated by the event, extended an invitation to artistic director Andrea Vantini to return next summer as well.
The surprise singing contest in the interpreters section saw the victory of fifteen-year-old Cristina Biava (To Love You More by Dion), who arrived at Garda directly from Albano Santalessandro, in the province of Bergamo. Fourth at the Trancio d’Oro in Bari, the high school student from Orobie distanced by over three points the talented Massimo Campadelli from Lumezzane (Raccontami by Francesco Renga) and the emotional Luca Mazzucchelli from Ponti sul Mincio (Cercami by Renato Zero). Daniela Rossi from Brescia, who performed a cult piece by Mina, Ancora, ancora, ancora, also did not succeed.
Original Section and Main Performers
In the original section, twenty-five-year-old Gianantonio Farinelli from Villafranca caught the jurors’ attention with Lividi, an interesting song with pronounced rhythm changes, far from traditional clichés. For the electronic specialist, he secured a pass to the next round at the expense of Patrizia Martorana from Isola della Scala (Come allora).
Among the stars of the Brescia evening, undoubtedly, was the blonde Diletta Orlandi, a production of Cantalago, who garnered a full applause with Rain on the Heart. Laughter was guaranteed with Giorgio Zanetti, before the surprise arrival of the Pink Panther interpreted by Leila Filippetti, in a new ballet choreographed by Nando De Bortoli in the role of Inspector Clouseau.
On stage as guests, Cristian Pighi (Eri così bella) and Elisa Antonelli (Innamorata ancora) also performed.
