March 21st, 2026

Superar Lugano: “Lugano: Past and Future” — A musical bridge across generations

In March 2026, Superar Lugano held a remarkable musical exchange bringing together two communities separated by geography but united by shared heritage. The project “Lugano: Past and Future” bridged continents and generations as the Cantoría Lugano choir travelled from Buenos Aires — descendants of emigrants from Ticino who left for Argentina more than a century ago — to perform alongside the young musicians of Superar Lugano.

More than 220 musicians, singers and participants gathered at prestigious venues, including the LAC and Congress Palace in Lugano, as well as the chapel of the Diocesan Seminary in Venegono Inferiore, Italy. At the heart of the program was the Swiss premiere of Martin Palmeri’s Requiem for choir, soloists, piano, bandoneon and symphony orchestra — a work inspired by poet Alfonsina Storni, born in Capriasca and who emigrated to Argentina, where her life and work became part of Argentine cultural memory.

Conductor Carlo Taffuri led the combined choirs and orchestra, with Palmeri himself performing the piano part. The program also featured world-class soloists from La Scala in Milan — soprano Ivanne Speranza, tenor Riccardo Mirabell and baritone Guillermo Bussolini — alongside traditional Argentine repertoire reflecting the cultural roots uniting both communities.

The FAIR Foundation is proud to support Superar Lugano’s vision of music as a bridge between cultures and generations, and of celebrating the stories that connect us across continents.