Festival della Canzone d'Autore Ugo Calise

A tribute to Ugo Calise

The Festival della Canzone d'Autore Ugo Calise was born in Oratino, in the province of Campobasso, to commemorate the singer-songwriter and guitarist Ugo Calise (1921-1994), a native of the village and an important figure in 20th-century Italian music. The festival, launched around 2014, has become a benchmark for young singer-songwriters in the Center-South over the years.

Young singer-songwriters competing

The festival unfolds over several evenings during which emerging singer-songwriters from various Italian regions perform, divided between original songs and covers. The performances take place in the most scenic spots in Oratino: the ancient stone staircase, the views of the historic center, and the Belvedere dedicated to Ugo Calise, where the final evening is traditionally held. The artistic direction has been entrusted over the years to the singer-songwriter Giovanni Block, with a jury that has included representatives from the radio and conservatory worlds.

Oratino, a village of music

Included among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, Oratino offers a unique setting for the festival: the stone houses, the medieval tower, and the panoramic position provide a backdrop for the notes of young authors, in a blend of music and heritage that is the hallmark of this Molise event.