Premio Canti alla Luna – Arts and Songwriting Festival

The Premio Canti alla Luna in Mottola

The Premio Canti alla Luna – Arts and Songwriting Festival is one of the most anticipated cultural events of the Apulian summer. Every July, the town of Mottola, in the province of Taranto, transforms into an open-air stage dedicated to Italian singer-songwriter music. The festival takes place in the evocative setting of La Rotonda, overlooking the Murgia landscape of Taranto, and offers two free-entry evenings filled with quality music, poetry, and encounters between established artists and new talents.

Singer-songwriter music under the moon

The heart of the festival is a grand piano surrounded by strings and orchestral instruments: an essential and elegant setup that accompanies the acoustic and orchestral performances of the guest artists. The award was created to celebrate the great protagonists of Italian pop music and to enhance the emotions of songwriting in the intimate, cozy atmosphere typical of Southern summer nights.

Artistic direction

The event is conceived and directed by singer-songwriter Aldo Losito, who oversees the artistic direction and guest selection. Each year, personalities who have left their mark on the history of Italian music receive the "Canti alla Luna" plaque in recognition of their artistic career, performing revisited versions of their most famous songs.

The "Nuove Proposte" contest

Alongside the guests of honor, the festival reserves ample space for young people: the "Nuove Proposte" (New Proposals) section is a competition designed for authors, singer-songwriters, and emerging projects from all over Italy. It is a concrete opportunity to introduce new voices to the music scene, with the winner having the chance to perform at the gala evening alongside the big names.

A local event

The Premio Canti alla Luna is held under the patronage of the Municipality of Mottola and the Apulia Region, demonstrating the event's deep roots in the local cultural fabric. Free admission and the open-air setting of La Rotonda make it an event open to everyone, capable of attracting audiences from Taranto and the entire Apulia region, combining music, art, and the promotion of the Murgia territory.