The quad-annual 15th Various Voices Festival of Legato, the European Association of LGBTQ+ Choirs will be hosted in Bologna and moved from 2022 to the summer of 2023. Team Bologna is led by Komos, the LGBT Chorus of Bologna, with their partners and funders including the municipality of Bologna, along with allies and friends in Italy. The 5,000 expected participants will bring at least €2.5 million estimated income into the local economy of Emilia-Romagna, Italy during the festival.
The festival is a celebration for the LGBTQ+ choirs and musicians of Europe celebrating with their friends from around the worldwide community of singers, to share, learn and enjoy the time, singing, performing, engaging in the beautiful ancient "la rossa" red city of Bologna and the people of the region of Emilia-Romagna, the home of parma ham, balsamic vinegar, and parmesan. Five glorious warm summer days and balmy evenings of superb singing, entertainment, and a “totally fun experience”. Choirs and musical groups perform in a range of languages, styles, an eclectic crucible of European musicians and music.
Nicola Mainardi, Bologna Various Voices Festival Director, said "we will be using this time to add that extra bit of Bologna sparkle, seeking even greater local support and working with our partners to rebook venues and agree on new dates in 2023. This has been a complex decision in response to the global pandemic and we need to give all time to heal and recover, to enjoy our festival safely. As details are confirmed we will share them with all our stakeholders. We will create the best Various Voices experience ever, for everyone".