April 23, 2026 marks the fifth anniversary of the death of Milva (Maria Ilva Biolcati, Goro 1939 – Milan 2021), an icon of music and entertainment who, with her dark and powerful voice and her inimitable interpretative sensitivity, marked an era in the history of European song and theatre.
For the occasion, the INSULA FELIX ETS Foundation of Milva and Martina Corgnati, established as a third sector body in 2024 by the singer's daughter, the art historian Martina Corgnati, dedicates three evenings, 14, 21 and 28 April, and an open day, Thursday 23 April, the anniversary of her death, to the precious memory of the singer.
The Insula Felix ETS Foundation has scheduled some significant events to celebrate the artist: Tuesday 14 April, from 5pm to 8pm, when the Turin 1962-1965 exhibition opens. Homage to Milva with the exhibition of three important portraits of the singer, two of which have never been published before, created by Ezio Gribaudo, artist, publisher, protagonist of the art world and at the time a great friend of the singer's husband, Maurizio Corgnati. The exhibition is organized in collaboration with the Gribaudo Archive of Turin and with the Brera Academy, of which Milva became an honorary member in 1992. Gribaudo's works are presented by the art historian Paolo Bolpagni, director of the Ragghianti Foundation of Lucca, in dialogue with Paola Gribaudo and Martina Corgnati. In these experimental works developed from photographic images, the face of the very young singer shines through, establishing herself as a revelation in the 1961 edition of Sanremo with Mare nel cassette (Eligio La Valle, Fernando Lattuada, Piero Rolla), already interested in more original repertoires, such as popular music, blues and Canti della Libertà, the title of the vinyl of the same name released in 1965. The portraits are present during all the meetings in which the Foundation and the library are open.
The artist in the prime of his years, at the height of his glittering career, is at the center of the evening (by invitation only) of Tuesday 21 April, when, from 6pm, the Italian-Argentine anthropologist and scholar of Argentine tango, Maria Susana Azzi, talks about the extraordinary collaboration between Milva and Astor Piazzolla and the legendary show El Tango, born in Paris, in Peter Brook's theatre, Les Bouffes du Nord, in 1984 and then replicated in all over the world, from Italy to Germany, up to Japan and Argentina. For the occasion, a period film of the entire show is proposed. A video of the evening is available upon request during the open day on Thursday 23 April, the anniversary of Milva's death, the day on which the Foundation and the library remain open from 10am to 8pm continuously. To admire the video write to: (email protected)
Finally, on Tuesday 28 April at 6pm, the director, actor and author Walter Mramor (Artisti Associati Gorizia) brings a touching and vivid testimony of one of the last productions in which Milva was the protagonist, The Lüneburg Variant, taken from the novel of the same name by Paolo Maurensig (1943-2021), adapted and staged since 2007 – over eighty performances – with music by Valter Sivilotti. The difficult and moving testimony of the Variante remains one of Milva's most memorable performances, only a few years before her conscious and bitter farewell to the stage in 2011. Participation in the evening is free while places last, by sending an email to: (email protected); it is also possible to follow the event via Zoom by sending the email request.
Regarding the meetings aimed at the memory of her mother, Martina Corgnati, president of the Insula Felix ETS Foundation thanks Paola Gribaudo, Franco Marrocco, Maria Susana Azzi and Walter Mramor for their participation.
The Insula Felix ETS Foundation promotes research, operating mainly in the fields of medieval studies, art history, cultural heritage, image theories and art therapies. It provides scholarships to young students and researchers, collaborates with university departments and institutions in organizing conferences, study days, seminars and meetings. It supports a library specialized in medieval studies and produces scientific and popular publications. He organizes contemporary art events with the collaboration of Raffaella Cortese. It promotes therapeutic practices with art and supports fragile people. The headquarters are in Milan, in via Gabrio Serbelloni 9, formerly Milva's private residence, now a study and meeting space.
THE CALENDAR
Tuesday 14 April, 5pm – 8pm
Turin 1962-1965. Homage to Milva
Milva's portraits made by Ezio Gribaudo
Tuesday 21 April, 6 – 8 pm
El tango at Les Bouffes du Nord
Thursday 23 April, 10am – 8pm non-stop
Anniversary of Milva's passing
Tuesday 28 April, 6 – 8 pm
Milva, the Lüneburg variant
INFO
MILVA, the ultimate diva
14, 21, 23 and 28 April 2026
edited by Martina Corgnati
Insula Felix ETS Foundation
Via Gabrio Serbelloni, 9 – Milan
participation via request to (email protected)
