The thirteenth edition of the Tener-a-Mente Festival, held at the Anfiteatro del Vittoriale in Gardone Riviera (BS), achieved remarkable success, concluding with outstanding results. This event, which took place from the second half of June until the end of July, featured performances by internationally renowned artists and Italian singer-songwriters in a stunning setting.
Record Numbers
With a total of 10 sold-out shows and an impressive attendance of 28,569 spectators, this edition set an all-time record for the festival. Tickets were purchased not only from various Italian provinces but also from as many as 54 countries worldwide, including exotic locations like Ivory Coast and the Bahamas. The most international concert was that of James Blake, which attracted an audience from 29 nations, followed by Jack Savoretti and James Arthur, drawing spectators from 27 and 23 countries, respectively.
Local Participation
The Brescia audience showed strong interest in the festival, contributing to 32% of the total attendance. Among the significant events, a tribute to poetry titled “Più Luce!” stood out, dedicated to the important theme of male dignity, attracting 1,309 spectators. This event, curated by Paola Veneto, proved to be a great success despite the challenges related to the visibility of poetry in bookstores.
Reflections on Success
Viola Costa, the festival’s artistic director, commented on the results achieved: “In a year marked by persistent bad weather that affected the cultural sector across Italy, leading to ticket sales declines between 30% and 40%, the final numbers speak for themselves: Tener-a-Mente is now a solid festival.” Despite climatic adversities, such as heavy rains on June 23 and damage caused by a tornado before the final event, the organization managed to maintain a high quality level in the performances.
Future Prospects
Giordano Bruno Guerri, president of the Vittoriale degli Italiani, emphasized the importance of preparation and organization in executing the festival. He stated: “I will not rest until we represent all Italian provinces at the festival.” Looking ahead, Viola Costa is already hinting at new developments for the 2025 program.
Italian Version
