The traditional press conference
to present Italy's popular Sanremo Song Fest was held on
Wednesday, where it was announced that Italian comics Virginia
Raffaele and Claudio Bisio will host the 69th edition of the
fest on February 5-9, together with Italian singer-songwriter
Claudio Baglioni, who is serving as artistic director of the
song competition for the second consecutive year.
"This is the 69th edition of the festival, and 69 recalls the
symmetry of synchrony," Baglioni said.
"I always look for meanings for my choices, and therefore
this year will be harmony at the festival - as a result, as a
landing, as a path - to bring together elements that are distant
from each other," he said.
"The 69 recalls yin and yang, the coming together of
opposites, which together form an accord. That's why I wanted
Brother Sun and Sister Moon, Claudio Bisio and Virginia
Raffaele, next to me," he said.
Bisio and Raffaele cracked jokes at the press conference,
where Bisio, who for many years hosted the Italian TV comedy
show Zelig, said the two had never worked together before.
"We were supposed to do Zelig together, but it didn't happen.
I was worried that she was a bit angry, but it wasn't true. We
met one day at her house, she had lost her voice. Imagine for a
man, an evening with a woman without a voice, it's a dream," he
said jokingly.
Raffaele, who co-hosted Sanremo in 2016, was quick with a
comeback.
"I've always looked up to him. I was young and he was already
working. He's a monster. The good thing is that this year I only
have to learn one name - Claudio," she said.
"We're just at the start, and we'll begin to work now, to
write really fun situations. We hope to bring colour to the
festival but we will be respectful of the competition," she
said.
Baglioni said currently no international guests are
scheduled.
"Last year the rule of engagement at the festival was that
even the guest would come and bring something, and not just
take. I'm still waiting for proposals, but at the moment there
aren't any. The festival is international on its own," he said.
He said guests would include Andrea Bocelli and son, Giorgia,
and Elisa.
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