Francesco De Gregori

Francesco De Gregori first found fame north of the Alps over thirty years ago with "Viva l’Italia", a profound song that was a declaration of love for a country which never ceases to cause even the most hardened optimists misgivings. Now, with his latest CD "Pezzi" (Pieces), De Gregori once again proves his pedigree as a "cantautore" and heir apparent to Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, the role models to whom he is musically closer than ever before.

Also invoking the great tradition of American songs the same evening will be 25-year-old jazz singer Lizz Wright, a true discovery whose repertoire of classics ranges from the swing era to the folk-rock of Neil Young. She topped the jazz charts in summer 2005.

Martin Schäfer