Argentina – Carusi and Cortesi commemorate composer Francesco Paolo Tosti

Pianist Nazzareno Carusi and singer Valentina Cortesi will hold a concert on May 18 at the Italian Institute of Culture (IIC) in Buenos Aires, to mark the centenary of the death of the great composer Francesco Paolo Tosti. For the occasion the pianist and the jazz musician will offer their particular interpretation of his ballads. Tosti was a well-known 19th century Italian musician, a singing teacher at the courts of Italy and, from 1880, also of Great Britain. He became famous for the composition of his many sentimental ballads. The concert, which will be in jazz style, focuses on Tosti’s pieces for piano and voice, based on the lyrics by Gabriele D’Annunzio. The event is part of the “Year of Italy in Latin America”, sponsored by the Foreign Ministry in partnership with the Ministries of Culture and Tourism, Economic Development, the Italian Trade Agency (ICE), the Conference of Italian University Rectors and with the contribution of many companies. Over this year’s 12 months approximately 200 events will showcase the cultural, economic, scientific and technological strengths of contemporary Italy. The primary goal of this ambitious and complex project is to promote Italy’s identity and talents in Latin America. Carusi will also perform on May 17 at the Coliseo Theatre in the Argentine capital, as part of the “New Harmony” series. Again the event was organised by the Institute and is part of the Year of Italy in Latin America. The programme includes a classical repertoire for piano compositions by Domenico Scarlatti and Franz Liszt.