The Sanremo Music Festival stands as Italy's most esteemed musical event and one of the world's longest-running festivals. Initially conceived in 1947 and officially commenced in 1951 in the coastal city of Sanremo, this iconic festival has been a significant influence on the Italian music landscape for over seventy years. Numerous timeless hits, including the legendary Volare by Domenico Modugno, first graced this platform.
In honor of this rich musical tradition, the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Pechino in Beijing is excited to announce the return of the Gara Canora in Omaggio al Festival di Sanremo! Now in its third year, this singing competition pays tribute to the legacy of Sanremo, providing Italian music enthusiasts in China with an opportunity to display their talent.
Following the success of the previous editions, the 2025 competition is set to be even larger. Do you think you have what it takes? Registration is currently open, and the deadline to apply is February 28. Further details on how to apply can be found below or you can follow IICPechino on WeChat.
How to Participate:
1. **Participation Requirements**: The competition is available to non-professional singers of any nationality who are at least 16 years old by the registration deadline (see below).
2. **Registration Method**: Participants must submit a video of their performance (minimum duration: 2 minutes; maximum duration: 3 minutes) via email to [email protected] by 6pm on February 28. Along with the video, a completed and signed registration form must be attached, which is provided below.
3. **Song Selection**: Participants should select a song from the repertoire of the past 74 editions of the Sanremo Music Festival. For a list of songs and artists who have taken part in the festival, please visit:
- https://www.rai.it/programmi/sanremo/
- https://www.cronologia.it/storia/a1951v.htm
- https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partecipanti_al_Festival_di_Sanremo
To find the instrumental version of the chosen song, participants can look on YouTube or QuanMinKGe (全民 K 歌).
4. **Performance Types**: Solo and duet performances are permitted.
5. **Language and Translation**: Contestants must perform the song in Italian or partially in Chinese (up to a maximum of 30 percent of the lyrics), using an existing translation or creating their own. In this case, participants will earn additional points from the Jury, up to a maximum of 25 percent.
6. **Jury and Competition Phases**: The Jury will comprise five members, including at least three professionals from the music industry. The competition will unfold in two phases: an elimination round and a final. From all applications received, 12 contestants will be selected to compete in the final, scheduled for March 21 at the Auditorium of the Italian Cultural Institute in Beijing.
7. **Evaluation and Awards**: The final winners will be determined based on the total scores assigned by the Jury, media representatives, and the audience present. The top three contestants will receive prizes, with the champion awarded a round-trip ticket to Italy.
Images: courtesy of IICPechino
Paid for by IICPechino
Attention all fans of Italian music!