Cantalago Music Festival Highlights: Talents, Results, and Next Venue

The thunderstorm on Friday evening was delayed but did not stop the Cantalago, which was successfully concluded by a shivering Susanna Huckstep.

The show did not lose its signature sparkle that distinguishes it in all the piazzas of Benàco. To add an extra adrenaline boost to the traveling event, the participation of the Matross, five young men from Garda who are songwriters and performers from Brooklyn, brought a rap piece to shout out their dream: New York City, even though their “heart remains in Garda”.

Connections and Young Talents

A deep bond with the town and its traditions motivated Mauro Bellinazzi, Gregorio Pasotti, Michele Mazzi, Nicolò Tedeschi, and Stefano Onofri to name their group with the dialect word Matross, which translates to tirlindana, a traditional fishing tool.

Nothing to do with the aquatic world, at least judging by the surname. For Daniela Capra, who traveled from Biassono in the Milan province to try her luck as a performer, a dream faded on the notes of “Di sole e d’azzurro” by Giorgia, finishing in the lowest step of the podium.

Results and Rankings

The first place narrowly went to Marco Tosi from Villafranca, who defeated Eddy Pischedda from Malcesine with “Il tempo di morire” by Lucio Battisti.

Celebrating his twenty-ninth birthday in the best way possible, the Villafranca singer achieved success with “Ancora lei,” a song by Francesco Renga, former frontman of Timoria.

Without praise or blame, Antonio Di Nuzzo from Verona gave a performance of “Supreme” by Robbie Williams, ending with the same score as Daniela Capra.

Unreleased Sections and Eliminations

There was a clear gap in the new compositions category, with the duo E&S from Concesio earning their spot in the semifinals.

Elena and Sara, 16 and 19-year-old students, proposed “Dimmi chi sei,” a song supported by a solid musical structure that discusses adolescence.

Veronica Marchi from Verona was eliminated with her song “Linea 31.” The young woman from the stadium area behind the scenes, despite her disappointment at being eliminated, sent her affectionate thoughts to the great Luciano Beretta, to whom the Festival dedicated the contest for the best original text.

Guests and Side Events

Among the guests, noteworthy was Ivan Perda with “Io vivrò,” a piece written by Andrea Vantini. But the Cantalago is not just music: in keeping with a well-established cliché, much space was given to the election of Miss Garda, crowned by Mayor Davide Bendinelli.

The title of Miss Garda was awarded to Marica Prealta, 21 years old from Tregnago.

The student of International Trade in Vicenza is no stranger to the runway and has achieved two second places in two regional semifinals.

Next Venues

The Cantalago moves tonight at 9:30 PM to the Parco Pavese in Torbole. The event will be hosted by Gloria Zanin.