I loved him as a teenager, I knew so many of his songs by heart. Then, as happens with some singer-songwriters, you put them aside a bit. You don’t hear them much around, they don’t often play on the radio. But when you happen to listen to them again, you realize that you still know all those songs. And you find yourself singing without even realizing it.

Fortis is a great artist, that's for sure. A true artist, one of those who stays with you forever.

He kicked off his new tour just on Friday night, August 1st, with his Sentimental City Band which gave their best in all the performances of the evening.

It was a succession of emotions, with his historic songs but also new pieces. 

Alberto on stage radiated pure energy, and to think that he is 70 years old… he certainly doesn’t look it. Slim in physique, but with an incredible inner strength. And a sensitivity that comes through directly in his messages, simple, delicate but very strong.

He touched on deep themes, speaking about the world we are ruining, the wars that are advancing, and humanity that is getting lost amid power, greed, and indifference. He reminded everyone how important it is to return to true values, the ones that really matter. 

Messages from a stage that were received by all present, who applauded and hailed Fortis for every word, every note, every gesture.

An incredible force and warmth were unleashed during that evening.

How can you not love him... a force and sweetness at the same time... disarming. I discovered a part of him that I did not know. 

Fortis is not only a singer-songwriter but also a complete artist, a multi-instrumentalist: voice, piano, harmonica. A talent that has lived a thousand lives, having recorded in the studios of the Beatles and accompanying many bands throughout his career.

We sang to the tunes of Milano and Vincenzo, to Fragole infinite, to La neña del salvador, to Settembre, to Ti dirò, to Marilyn, and to the always moving Sedia di Lillà.

I was in the front rows, immersed in the music. During this time, I've been treating myself to many concerts, and I always come away enriched. 

I didn't take great photos of Alberto because he was mostly hidden behind the piano.

But I felt his voice and his music strong and clear...

It’s wonderful to see how many cultural and musical initiatives are blooming in Valtellina. There is a desire for beauty, and we hope that this positive energy spreads more and more.

Because it’s not easy to get people out of their houses unless it’s the usual festival. But events like this are a precious opportunity to experience something different, something real, something profound.

And all of this was made possible thanks to Ivana Zecca, who once again impeccably organized an unforgettable evening. The concert inaugurated her beloved festival Alpi Sonanti, which she has been passionately running for years, offering quality music and events that leave a mark.

Bad weather forced the event to be moved from the Sagrato of the Church  Arcipretale di Sant'Alessandro in Traona to the Auditorium Sant’Antonio in Morbegno, with reduced capacity. 

Unfortunately, some people were left outside, but those who were there will carry every note of the evening in their hearts.

Thank you Ivana for everything you do. Keep it up, spreading music, culture, and beauty. There is really so much need for it.

Follow the calendar of Alpi Sonanti 2025 here