The i-Talians, “Dante’s Other Cantos” (2026)

“On the occasion of Dantedì 2026, join us at the Italian Cultural Institute of Washington, in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Society of Washington, for an evening at the crossroads of great literature and music. Italian and international songwriting has long drawn inspiration from the literary canon — and Dante’s case is truly distinctive. His work has moved artists across cultures and generations.

Prof. Francesco Ciabattoni (Georgetown University) will guide the audience through songs by renowned singer-songwriters — Vinicius de Moraes, Fabrizio De André, Gianna Nannini, and Loreena McKennitt — that echo Dante and the Divine Comedy. The band The i-Talians will then bring these songs to life, following Prof. Ciabattoni’s critical introduction.”    —Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Washington

A Washington, DC-based band, The i-Talians, have been playing pop, rock and folk Italian music since 2011.

Contributed by Francesco Ciabattoni (Georgetown University)