Tag Archive for: Simone Zanchini

We are happy to introduce the innovative jazz part of our lineup. This year, the Italian Fusion Festival presents Simone Zanchini. A masterful journey through sound, improvisation and musical freedom.

Simone Zanchini is one of the most innovative and captivating accordionists on the international music scene. For many years, Zanchini has pursued a unique artistic path that transcends conventional boundaries. His approach transforms the accordion into something unexpected and deeply personal, revealing the instrument’s extraordinary timbral and expressive possibilities far beyond any single genre or style. Whether navigating classical repertoire, contemporary compositions, jazz standards, or venturing into more unconventional sonic territories, Zanchini moves with equal mastery and profound musicality.

A Solo Experience Like No Other

Zanchini’s solo performance embodies the essence of what the Italian Fusion Festival celebrates: the meeting point between tradition and innovation, structure and spontaneity. Each performance is a profoundly creative artistic experience—different every time, unpredictable, and utterly compelling. Over approximately sixty minutes of uninterrupted music, audiences will experience moments of spontaneous improvisation seamlessly woven together with Zanchini’s original compositions and reimagined works by legendary composers including George Gershwin, Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, and Astor Piazzolla.

In his own words, Zanchini explains his artistic philosophy: “I have always believed that certain sonic resonances dwelling in our minds are uniquely our own – magnificently singular, communicable only through the emotions of improvisation, and perceptible only if one is armed with a true openness of spirit. We live in an era that seems to demand recognised and recognisable languages, along with what I call reproducers of styles. This act of freeing oneself from the code is the courageous, and at times risky, attempt of this Solo.”

A Distinguished Career

Graduating with honours in classical accordion from the prestigious “G. Rossini” Conservatoire in Pesaro—among the first in Italy to achieve such recognition—Zanchini has built an impressive international career. He has graced the stages of major festivals and concert series throughout Italy, performing at the world’s most prestigious international jazz festivals.

His collaborative spirit has led to partnerships with an extraordinary array of internationally renowned musicians from diverse traditions, including Thomas Clausen, Gianluigi Trovesi, Paolo Fresu, Han Bennink, Art Van Damme, Frank Marocco, Bill Evans, Adam Nussbaum, Jim Black, and John Patitucci, among many others. Since 1999, he has collaborated regularly with the Soloists of the Orchestra of Teatro alla Scala in Milan, touring worldwide.

An Impressive Discography

Since 1996, Zanchini has released more than twenty albums that showcase his versatility and innovation. Notable recordings include Bebop Buffet (2006) in duo with Frank Marocco, My Accordion’s Concept (2012), Don’t Try This Anywhere (2016) featuring John Patitucci and Adam Nussbaum, NINO (2019) with the prestigious HR Frankfurt Radio Big Band, and Il gatto e la volpe (2020) in duo with Gabriele Mirabassi.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Performance

Simone Zanchini’s performance at the Italian Fusion Festival promises to be an extraordinary journey—one that challenges preconceptions about the accordion while celebrating the universal language of musical creativity. His courageous exploration of sound, his technical brilliance, and his profound artistic vision make him the perfect embodiment of our festival’s spirit.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness a true master of improvisation and innovation in action.

For more information about Simone Zanchini, visit: www.simonezanchini.com