Cagliari pays tribute to Andrea Parodi, twenty years after his death. 2026 opens with a series of events dedicated to the Sardinian singer and musician, a key figure first with Tazenda and then with a solo career that established him in international world music. The first event is scheduled for April 30th in the island's capital, as part of the 370th edition of the Feast of Sant'Efisio, one of Sardinia's most cherished celebrations. At 9 pm, in Piazza del Carmine, the "Concert for Andrea" will take place, bringing together local and international artists to reinterpret Parodi's repertoire and perform original pieces.
Taking to the stage will be Andrea Andrillo, Francesca Corrias with the Sunflower quartet, Gigi Marras, Francesco Marras Perantoni, and actress Lia Careddu. Also eagerly awaited are performances by Neapolitan Flo and Catalan Sandra Bautista. Many of the performers are former winners of the Andrea Parodi Prize, a world music competition promoted by the foundation that bears the artist's name. The celebrations will continue in May beyond the island. On May 21st in Paris, as part of the "Canzoni & Parole" festival, the Italian Cultural Institute will host "Andrea Parodi, Voice of the Island, Voice of the World." Elena Ledda, Mauro Palmas, Gigi Marras, Alberto Bertoli, and Tazenda will participate in a musical narrative that explores the singer's artistic legacy.
The following day, May 22nd, the event will move to Avigliana, in the Susa Valley, for an evening at the Teatro Fassino, part of the Valsusa Filmfest. "The Voice of the Sardinian Soul: Remembering Andrea Parodi" will offer an overview of the artist's life and career, curated by Enrico Deregibus, with presentations by Valentina Casalena Parodi and Luca Parodi, and performances by Tazenda, Elena Ledda, and Mauro Palmas. Also in Paris, on May 23rd, the Maison d'Italie will host the premiere of the documentary film "Waiting for Abacada," dedicated to Parodi and directed by Alberto Marras. The calendar will culminate in the fall with the 19th edition of the Andrea Parodi Award, scheduled for October 15-17 at the Teatro Massimo in Cagliari, coinciding with the anniversary of the artist's passing on October 17, 2006. Artistically directed by Elena Ledda, the award confirms its role as a benchmark for world music both nationally and internationally, offering the winner a scholarship and new opportunities at partner festivals.
