Happy birthday Riz: Pesaro launches centenary celebrations for Riz

Happy birthday Riz: Pesaro launches centenary celebrations for Riz Ortolani

On 25 March Palazzo Gradari hosts the opening event for the 100th anniversary of Riz Ortolani (Pesaro, 25 March 1926). The public appointment starts at 6:00 pm in the Salone Antonia Pallerini and introduces the programme that will run through 2026.

The meeting features the preview of the teaser for the Rai documentary "Ci vediamo da Riz – Armonie e dissonanze", scheduled for broadcast the same evening. Speakers include municipal and cultural representatives, scholars and friends of the Maestro, who will highlight his contribution to film music and his artistic legacy.

• When and where: Palazzo Gradari, Salone Antonia Pallerini – 25 March 2026, 6:00 pm
• Highlight: teaser preview of Marco Dentici's Rai docufilm
• Notable participants: the mayor and the city’s culture representatives, Renato Marengo, Marco Dentici, Gianni Letta, Katyna Ranieri, Rizia and Enrico Ortolani Sternini, Conservatorio G. Rossini and Orchestra Sinfonica Rossini representatives

The event launches the activities coordinated by the newly forming RIZ100 Committee, involving regional institutions, foundations, the Conservatory and cinematic partners. Planned initiatives include tributes at the Mostra Internazionale del Nuovo Cinema, orchestral projects at the Conservatory and international outreach, particularly in the United States through diplomatic and cultural networks.

One concrete project in Pesaro is the redevelopment of the Giardino della Musica Riz Ortolani (Palazzo Ricci) into an open‑air theatre seating around 250, intended to host performances and preserve memorabilia and documents thanks to collaboration with the family and local foundations.

The documentary, produced by Mnemosyne with support from Sugar, Luce Cinecittà and Rai, traces eighty years of the composer's life with interviews and archival material. The event is free to attend until capacity is reached.