Over 300 young artists from all over Italy will participate in the auditions for Area Sanremo 2024 and take part in the rich program of the first “Area Sanremo Music Week.”
The new format by the Sanremo Symphony Orchestra Foundation offers candidates coming to Sanremo for auditions numerous opportunities to enrich their experience, engage with music professionals, gain visibility, and immerse themselves in the “City of Music.”
The dream of competing in the next Sanremo Festival in the “New Proposals” category—reintroduced into the regulations by Carlo Conti—grows closer for one of the young artists participating in the Area Sanremo auditions.
Among them, 318 will perform as soloists, 10 as duos, and 8 as bands. Of the 336 participants under 27 (the new age limit in line with the Sanremo Giovani regulations), 29 are minors. Leading the regions of origin for participants are Lombardy and Lazio, followed by Tuscany and Apulia.
This year, the competition by the Sanremo Symphony Orchestra Foundation and the Municipality of Sanremo will grant two emerging artists access to the Sanremo Giovani finale, with one advancing to the Sanremo Festival. The auditions are concentrated in a single week, from Sunday, November 17, to Friday, November 22.
On November 22, the finals will take place, and the 10 winners of Area Sanremo will be announced. On Saturday, November 23, they will perform in front of Carlo Conti and the RAI Commission, which will select two artists for the Sanremo Giovani finale, broadcast live from the Casino Theatre on December 18 on Rai 1.
Also on November 22, the Vittorio De Scalzi Trophy will be awarded, honoring the late Ligurian artist who passed away in 2022. He played a significant role in Area Sanremo, demonstrating great care and sensitivity toward young artists. Previous winners include Giordana Petralia, aka “Nausica” (2023), Sarah Toscano (2022), and Salvatore Celesia, aka “Salvat” (2021), who received the award from De Scalzi himself.
Regardless of the audition results, the Foundation has created many opportunities for participants to expand their knowledge, make valuable connections, and gain performance experiences.
During the week, named Area Sanremo Music Week, several activities will take place, encouraging participants not only to showcase their talents but also to explore the behind-the-scenes world of the Festival, the “City of Music,” and the unexpected realm of the Sanremo Symphony Orchestra. Some will even have the chance to begin a free journey leading to participation in Foundation productions, as happened last summer with concerts such as Tribute to Vittorio De Scalzi, Amii Stewart Symphonic, and From Apulia to Sanremo: The Best Festival Songs, held in Polignano a Mare in September.
Each day, Area Sanremo candidates will have opportunities for discussion, mutual learning, and feedback led by M° Valter Sivilotti (pianist, composer, and conductor who has worked with renowned Italian artists) and Franca Drioli (modern singing and vocal interpretation teacher and creator of theatrical and musical projects).
At the Palafiori, participants can also join “Area Sanremo Talk,” a series of meetings with music professionals and industry experts, designed to expand their knowledge, find inspiration, and prepare for the future—whether on the Festival stage or an “open stage” in a major city.
PROGRAM:
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 4:00–6:00 PM
“Music is Lightning” with Stefano Senardi
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 4:00–5:00 PM
“Enhancing Artistic Talent Through Technological Innovation” with Stefano Frosi of OpenStage
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 4:00–5:00 PM
“Preparing for a Performance with the Orchestra (Beyond the Festival)” with M° Valter Sivilotti and M° Franco Invidia (Festival Orchestra’s first violin)
The discussions will be moderated by Maurilio Giordana, speaker for Radio Onda Ligure 101.
As in past years, the Vacchino family will open the doors of the “Temple of Italian Music” to Area Sanremo participants, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the theatre where they all dream of performing one day. This activity will include meetings with professionals who have worked backstage at the Ariston Theatre.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
“The World of the Festival Press Room” with Luca Ammirati
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
“Behind the Scenes of 41 Festivals!” with Pippo Balistreri
On Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, the Tenco Club will also welcome Area Sanremo participants to introduce them to the club’s history, activities, and opportunities for emerging singer-songwriters.
To conclude, Area Sanremo Open Fest will provide numerous chances for participants to perform in the city, sharing their art, connecting with others, and becoming part of a true celebration of music involving the entire city of Sanremo.
An OpenStage totem will be available in front of the Palafiori on Monday, November 18, and Tuesday, November 19.
During the week, candidates can also arrange evening performances at designated venues listed on Area Sanremo’s website. Venues interested in hosting young artists can contact the Foundation at info@sinfonicasanremo.it or contact@area-sanremo.it.
Finally, on Friday, November 22, after the Area Sanremo 2024 awards, a grand party will be hosted by the Sanremo Symphony Orchestra Foundation in collaboration with Gruppo Eventi / Casa Sanremo, dedicated to all participants.
