Gigliola Cinquetti, born in Verona in 1947, returns to the stage that launched her singing career with one of the most iconic songs in Italian music history. “Non ho l’età,” in fact, will blow 60 candles this year, and to commemorate, the Veronese woman will return to ride the Ariston stage, re-proposing the song that has endured generations and new genres of music. Cinquetti will transport us back in time on February 8 for the festival’s finale.
The 16-year-old’s accomplishment was so widespread that it crossed national boundaries. In 1964, the song also won the Eurofestival; it was the first time Italy had achieved such a high point. Cinquetti’s rise continued with the translation of “Non ho l’età” into eight languages and its prominent placement in the European charts. In fact, the song quickly rose to the top of the charts in France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Norway, selling over 4 million copies in Europe alone.
The expectation is consequently high. Indeed, the Sanremo Festival is Italy’s most prominent musical event, and it has long served as a driving force and booster of national talent. As the name implies, it is held every year in the city of Sanremo, in the province of Imperia, more specifically at the Ariston Theater, which has become well-known to the public since the 1970s, thanks to the Sanremo Festival.
