On july 24, a press conference unveiled the program for Part 1 of Torino Jazz Festival 2020. Mayor Chiara Appendino and councilwoman Francesca Leon, who heads the city’s culture sector, both expressed their satisfaction in a year that has proved complex for live music. This year’s program, under the supervision of artistic directors Diego Borotti and Giorgio Li Calzi, serves up a rich selection of performances, featuring 10 evening concerts, August 21-30, on the main stage at Combo, on Corso Regina Margherita. Opening night: a quartet from Sardegna led by Enzo Favata, a musician who’s brought the poetry of Italian jazz to the world. Followed by all-star percussionist Manu Katché, who once played with Peter Gabriel and Dire Straits. Another drummer, Roberto Gatto, presents his project dedicated to Pasolini, featuring acclaimed Italian actor Valerio Mastandrea. A tribute to Charlie Parker, for the 100th anniversary of his birth, sees the participation of high-power saxmen like Francesco Cafiso, Mattia Cigalini, and Jesse Davis. From France: avant-garde guitarist Marc Ducret and Souad Alsa, with music that spotlights his North African roots. We wind things down (or up?) with a performance by big-name Italian jazz artists Enrico Rava and Gianni Coscia, performing together. Plus Paolo Fresu with Daniele di Bonaventura, and Daniele Sepe, with guests Hamid Drake and Roy Paci. Download the complete program or check out the schedule of events posted on our website.
