O'Scià 2011 - Magazine

Here you can see a tourist magazine with the "story of O'Scià" in PDF (it):

    
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O'Scià 2011 - preview photos

Here are some preview pictures from the 9. edition of O'Scià on Lampedusa - a 5-days event at the Guitgia beach...
More photos at our J-Album will follow...

   
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The island "Lampedusa":

         

        
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Guest list O'Scià 2011 - 16.09.2011

LAMPEDUSA - SEPTEMBER 27th-28th-29th-30th, OCTOBER 1st 2011 - O' SCIA' - IX EDITION

CLAUDIO BAGLIONI AND 50 SUPERSTARS OF THE MUSIC AND SHOW, WILL PERFORM LIVE DURING 5 DAYS AT O'SCIA' EVENT IN FAVOUR OF INTEGRATION AND INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE
solidarity with the islanders - recepcion of refugees - gratitude to rescuers
 
From Alessandra Amoroso to Zucchero -to Annalisa, Edoardo Bennato, Samuele Bersani, Loredana Berte’, Mario Biondi, Nino Buonocore, Chiara Canzian, Camaleonti, Luca Carboni, Cugini di Campagna, Pino Daniele, Teresa De Sio, Dik Dik, Emma, Loredana Errore, Formula Tre, Irene Fornaciari, Alberto Fortis, Filippa Giordano, Ira Losco, Lucariello, Fiorella Mannoia, Marco Masini, Antoine Michel, Amedeo Minghi, Nathalie, Giuliano Palma, Max Pezzali, Pfm, Pooh, Patty Pravo, Massimo Ranieri, Enrico Ruggeri, Selene, Alessandro Siani, Anna Tatangelo e Francesco Tricarico, and obviously Claudio Baglioni- it is a superclass of musicians who will be present at O' Scià IX edition, the manifestation of art and music, invented and organized by Claudio Baglioni, to promote integration and intercultural dialogue, and show solidarity with the peolple of Lampedusa, recepcion of refugees, gratitude to rescuers. Five days unique and unrepeteable - from september 27th to october 1st - with the presence of  other important names such as Ramona Badescu, Marco Columbro, Antonella Elia, Fichi D’india, Lillo e Greg, Vinicio Marchioni, Ilaria Moscato, Flavio Insinna, Pablo e Pedro, Giorgio Panariello e Paola Saluzzi - led by Pippo Baudo.

Complete list:
Claudio Baglioni,
Alessandra Amaroso, Annalisa, Ramona Badescu, Pippo Baudo, Edorado Bennato, Samulele Bersani, Loredana Berté, Mario Biondi, Nino Buonocore, Chiara Canzian, Camaleonti, Luca Carboni, Marco Columbro, Cugini Di Campgna, Pino Daniele, Teresa De Sio, Dik Dik, Antonella Elia, Emma, Loredana Errore, Fichi D'India, Formula Tre, Greg e Lillo, Irene Fornaciari, Alberto Fortis, Filippa Giodano, Ira Losco, Lucariello, Fiorella Mannoia,Vinicio Marchioni, Antoine Michel, Amedeo Minghi, Ilaria Moscato, Flavio Insinna, Nathalie, Palo e Pedro, Guiliano Palma, Panariello, Max Pezzali, PFM, Pooh, Patta Pravo, Massimo Ranieri, Enrico Ruggeri, Paola Saluzzi, Selene, Alessandro Siani, Anna Tatangelo, Francesco Tricarico, Zucchero

Claudio Baglioni and Angelina Jolie on Lampedusa - 19.06.2011


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After Claudio's appearance in St. Vincent he travelled immediately to Lampedusa. There UN High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, expected him together with U.S. Hollywood star Angelina Jolie on Sunday for an information program. There was an appearance together at the monument "gateway to Europe" with Lampedusa's mayor de Rubeis.
The UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Jolie (36) had previously made attention ​​in Turkey on the border with Syria on the lot of many people's, escaping from the regime in Damascus, which shoots at civilians. Also in Malta, the actress visited refugees on Sunday.
"Above all I want to express my deep appreciation for the people of this island, which has taken over for so many years so many refugees and migrants," said Guterres. The head of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) visited Lampedusa, before presenting the most recent annual report of the UNHCR on Monday in Rome for the World Refugee Day.
Italy and primarily the small island of Lampedusa are reinforced the point of contact since the beginning of the upheaval in North African countries for tens of thousands of migrants and refugees. In the past five months, the unrest in the countries on the other side of the Mediterranean led to more than 43 000 people arrived on Italian shores, of which over 33 000 on Lampedusa. About 130 kilometers from the Tunisian coast, the only 20-square-foot island is for years for many desperate boat people longed for the "Gateway to Europe".

Claudio explains Angelina Jolie "O'Scià"
"Angelina Jolie is an attentive person who uses her popularity in favor of those who need them." That said Claudio Baglioni, as he left the refugee camp of Lampedusa, where he met the Hollywood star Angelina Jolie, who recently visited the island. During the meeting between Baglioni and Jolie, the singer has presented the U.S. star and UN ambassador the initiative "10 years O'Scià", the organization of solidarity ", which takes place every year in September, and includes dozens of personalities in the Festival on Lampedusa. "Jolie told me that it is a worthy undertaking" Baglioni said. "I hope now to have the opportunity to give her the entire documentation of the events of the past."








Letter written by O'Scià Foundation President - Rossella Barattolo - 09.06.2011

Rarely I have read so many lies and distortions of reality as in the article “Festa con le star nel giorno sbagliato” (“Party with the stars on a wrong day”), written by Paolo Crecchi for “Il Secolo XIX”.
I’m aware that today reality doesn’t exist anymore. It has been replaced by the biased representation of reality that - more or less “interested” - people, create. The result is that facts are not separated from opinions (both personal and political) and these opinions even produce facts, although it should be the opposite.
So it seems that last week in Lampedusa we have celebrated a “good party” but at the “wrong time”. None of the two is true. First of all, it wasn’t a party. Both the people of Lampedusa and the immigrants have absolutely no reason to celebrate. And that’s the same for all the people who risk their lives to help the immigrants and for all the artists who are pressing for answers. In short, there was no party. It was just a request for attention and for help.
No party and no “wrong time”. This is simply because in recent years (even decades) there has not been a “right” time for Lampedusa and the Mediterranean Sea. Actually, every day is a “wrong” day. Every day hundreds of people risk their lives (and often tragically lose them) trying to find in Europe what they can’t have in their countries: a better future. Waiting for a “right” time to do something for Lampedusa would mean waiting forever. And it’s not just an event like “Lampedusa Sùsiti” that cannot be postponed: it’s especially the attention of European and Italian institutions, politicians, media and public opinion. Migrations are a critical point of our present/future. Italy and Europe cannot ignore it nor exploit it to build consensus: they have to face the problem in a serious and organized manner.
Moreover, it’s no accident that the stage of the event was at Cala Pisana. Cala Pisana, like Lampedusa as a whole, is a symbol. It’s the symbol of a tragedy that requires serious, immediate answers.
Again: “Lampedusa Sùsiti” wasn’t supposed to be the “perfect advertisement” for Berlusconi. First, it was not an advertisement at all. The event only promoted solidarity for the people of Lampedusa, reception of the immigrants and gratitude for the rescuers. This was demonstrated by a public ceremony dedicated to all the people – police forces, International NGOs, volunteers – that did their best to help the local people and the immigrants every day. Then, “Lampedusa Sùsiti” and the O’Scià festival will never embrace any political cause. The more than 300 artists who came to Lampedusa in the last ten years did not support any political cause, and they didn’t try to replace politicians. They just asked them to do their duty: provide solutions to a tragic problem instead of ignoring it. Therefore it’s disgraceful and completely false to say that an event like Lampedusa Sùsiti was strictly related to Berlusconi’s promises. And it’s absurd to say that the event was connected to solutions like a golf club or a casino. After all these lies and distortions, it’s no surprise that most people ignore that the idea of proposing the island and the people of Lampedusa as candidates for the Nobel Peace Prize first came from the O’Scià Foundation, and was adopted by the Italian government only later. 
There is only one true statement in the article: “you cannot feel light-hearted when you are on the borderline between two different worlds”. It’s true. Painfully true. No light-heartedness. The people of Lampedusa know it well. The immigrants and the refugees know it too. And also all the Italian and international organizations that are helping these people 365 days a year. Even artists are aware of it: their music aims to raise awareness on the issue of immigration and press for immediate, concrete answers. Ten years after – thanks also to the commitment and determination of the O’Scià Foundation - even Italian and European institutions are beginning to understand it, as they are now aware that we must promote integration if we want to avoid a clash of civilizations. The alternative, that is disintegration, would be much more tragic and painful. The only people who still don’t understand this are a few journalists, who are still deeply influenced by those same prejudices that they claim to fight. But this does not discourage us. On the contrary, we are even more determined to go on. Maybe truth doesn’t always pay on newspapers, but it does in life.

Rossella Barattolo
President of the O’Scià Foundation







Letter for Lampedusa - 28.03.2011

A huge tragedy is taking place just a few kilometres from our coasts.
Lampedusa, a part of our country, is going through very hard times.
Lampedusa, a strip of land in the Mediterranean Sea, a beautiful, sunny island which belongs to Italy but is too often forgotten.
Lampedusa, the island of colours and sounds from Africa, is our land.
It is a small grain of rock which has always been a crossroads and a landing place for many different peoples.
A landing place but also a welcoming place, as welcoming as all you people that always do all you can for those who come here looking for some dignity.
We know for sure that nor our words neither your actions will be able to solve the big problems afflicting these people, but our thoughts are willing to reach you somehow and encourage you to go on.
Hospitality, tolerance and respect are what you offer to every person reaching your island and also what is demanded of those in power, who often turn a deaf ear.
You have been offering your material and moral support for days, but you got almost no answers.
We remind that just a few days ago our beautiful country celebrated its 150th anniversary, which should be about development in the name of unity and respect.
Moreover, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the UN only 60 years ago, a great gift for those who had been oppressed by injustice, war and slavery for centuries. The same Declaration, as we know well, acknowledges the dignity of all human beings and their rights, equal and inalienable, as the basis of freedom. The violation of these rights in the past (and hopefully not in the present) caused evil actions against human beings. Again, it reminds us of the importance of promoting friendly relations between nations, as well as social progress and a higher quality of life in a free world. These people are demanding all these things for the journey of their lives. They don’t want this journey to stop in the island of Lampedusa. They want more freedom in their land! The same freedom which is being taken away from them now.
You have always been lending a helping hand, and you’re doing it now too.
Do you know what is the most embarrassing thing for us? To see that you feel uneasy because you cannot do more. Just a little more!
We all have some duties towards humanity, but it seems that they have been forgotten.
We knew about your - our - beautiful island thanks to a special person: Claudio.
Claudio Baglioni, your fellow citizen and our life-long friend with his music, words and emotions.
He did a lot through the creation of the O’Scià Foundation: he reminded us to spread the arms of our conscience towards that voice coming from the sea and asking for help. In the last 8 years, he has been giving hope to the island for a better future.
This is why we want to reach you with our voices too.
You welcomed us as life-long friends and your island is now our island too.
As soon as we arrived on the island, we were welcomed by a smell that has never left us ever since. The smell of life throbbing in every living form. The sound of the sea, the shouts of fishers, the sunshine and the good heart of the people in Lampedusa, which always welcome you with a smile.
Lampedusa embraced us with its colours and flavours, and now we cannot leave it. The colour of its water and sand, its cliffs dropping sheer into the sea, the lively colours of boats and the sun diving there and disappearing, looking forward for tomorrow.
The unmistakable sound of airplanes landing and taking off, just as if they were caressing the head of someone lying under the warm and beautiful sun.
The sound of the notes of “Volare”, emotionally sung by Claudio during the O’Scià festivals, makes us dream and look at those stars which sometimes appear sneaky.
Thanks to Claudio, our hearts leap up every time we hear about Lampedusa on TV or on newspapers. The island’s pictures remind us of endless memories and emotions. This beautiful place, which captivates you as soon as you see it, now needs help. Our help, the government’s help and the help of all those who can stop this exodus.
Today Lampedusa is the landing place of desperate people coming from Northern Africa.
Once again you are giving a warm welcome to each one of them, but it hurts us to see you suffering as your beautiful island is upset and undermined by chaos and disorganization. Unfortunately, writing you is the only thing we can do.
We all have to give our moral and material support to put an end to this situation.
Today Lampedusa looks like an abandoned place. Everything is a camp, spontaneous and with no rules. The beautiful island is filled with litter, which then goes into the sea. That beautiful sea which should only enrapture the eyes of dreamers.
All this is an insult to Lampedusa, which should be again the dreamland that it has always been. Lampedusa is a deep emotion inspiring those who know and love this island. Lampedusa is a way of living and loving. It has never been a place for VIPs, but only a dream for poets and for those who can give strength to their emotions.
It hurts to see that the shelter for sea turtles has become a shelter for people from Tunisia. It hurts to see people arguing and fighting on TV only to show that they are right. All this hurts, as well as to see and listen to your suffering and discouraged voices.
We thought a lot about it and we came to the conclusion that you do not need material aid. What Lampedusa and all of you need is a quick and concrete answer from the authorities. From all the authorities.
This is why we thought that we had to give you our moral support, hoping that it will help you to hope in a better future.
The future will come and it will be a time of renewal for you and your beautiful island.
Here is our love, from us to you.
We hope it will make you feel less lonely.
We are with you. We were with you yesterday, we are with you today and we will be with you tomorrow.
It’s true that last year we almost cried when we said goodbye to you because of what Claudio had hinted, but we know that it won’t be so easy to keep us away from our summer nights.
We are sure that Guitgia beach will be again the landing place for dreams, along with the music of those who give their voice without asking anything in return.
Its breath, Claudio’s and ours, will continue to give voice to the word Hope.
That same hope which will lead us to a better future.




Claudio Baglioni and the Foundation O'Scià - press release regarding Lampedusa - 21.03.2011 (engl)

Claudio Baglioni and the O’scia’ Foundation express their great satisfaction with the “compensatory measures of an economic and structural character” in favour of Lampedusa that were announced this morning during a press conference with Ministers Alfano, La Russa and Tremonti, which was held right after a meeting of the Council of Ministers.

Baglioni and his O’scia’ Foundation have been promoting the value of integration, boosting the reputation of Lampedusa and supporting the rights and hopes of its community for ten years now. Recently, the Italian singer wrote a letter to the President of the Italian Republic, the Presidents of the Senate and of the Chamber of Deputies, the Prime Minister and other Ministers involved, firmly asking “not to forget about the island of Lampedusa and its people” and to start a “new phase” in order to reduce “the huge gap in terms of rights, opportunities and quality of life” between Lampedusa and the rest of the country.

Therefore, with no “intention of providing answers, but simply moved by his civic pride”, Baglioni has already made government authorities aware about the need for a“specific package of actions” that would allow Lampedusa to get through “the longest and hardest emergency” in its complex history.

Among the supported actions, there is the need to “postpone the next tax deadlines, so that the island’s fragile economy will find some relief. If, as it seems probable, the landings will continue and even increase, tourism in Lampedusa (its only resource) will be heavily damaged,” Baglioni wrote.

“Lampedusa should not be penalized if compared to the rest of the country, especially in terms of air links (tour operators have suspended flights until the end of May, as there are too many risks: next June we will know whether the summer schedule is confirmed or not), power supplies, petrol, electricity, gas, water and basic necessities.”

“There is also the need to gather the funds necessary to implement some basic projects (such as the drainage system). Lampedusa needs them in order to receive immigrants from any country but also to allow its inhabitants to live a worthy life.”

Baglioni also asked government authorities to visit the island: that would have a “great political value”, especially in the present situation and during the celebrations forItaly's 150thunification anniversary. It would also be an “important sign for Lampedusa, for our country, for the entire Mediterranean Basin and for all Europe”.

Baglioni and the O’scia’ Foundation wish that the measures taken by the Council of Ministers this morning will be put into practice very soon, starting a new season when Lampedusa and its people will really become Italian and European citizens and will really have equal opportunities in terms of rights, infrastructures, goods and services.








21.03.2011: Lampedusa and Linosa press release

The measures which were announced this morning by the Council of Ministers, - and, particularly, the fact that no tent cities will be built, the Loran base will be organized to host immigrants if necessary, the San Marco ship will be used to transfer immigrants, immigrants will be transferred more frequently, a Convention of Regions will develop a plan to face the emergency together, new agreements to regulate migrations will be made with the countries of origin of the immigrants, EU members will cooperate to manage migrations, a campaign promoting the Pelagie Islands will be launched and their tourism will be developed, measures will be taken against any damage or inconvenience – measures which the O’Scia’ Foundation hopes to be long-lasting, are the first important step on the road that hopefully will lead – as soon as possible – the inhabitants of Lampedusa and Linosa to fully become Italian and European citizens and rely on real “equal opportunities” in terms of rights, number and quality of infrastructures as well as availability and cost of basic goods and services.
The Foundation – which has raised awareness among the highest institutions and government authorities on the problems of people living in the Pelagie Islands, urging them to take specific measures against the crisis – was fully satisfied with what has been decided during the Council of Ministers and will continue to monitor the situation and ask – with carefulness, neutrality and balance – politicians and authorities to fully respect the announced measures.
Finally, the Foundation praises the behaviour of the people of Lampedusa, who showed once again their humanity, civility, hospitality and helpfulness towards foreign immigrants during this difficult period.

21.03.2011: Claudio Baglioni and the Foundation O'Scià - press release regarding Lampedusa

Claudio Baglioni and the O’scia’ Foundation express their great satisfaction with the “compensatory measures of an economic and structural character” in favour of Lampedusa that were announced this morning during a press conference with Ministers Alfano, La Russa and Tremonti, which was held right after a meeting of the Council of Ministers.

Baglioni and his O’scia’ Foundation have been promoting the value of integration, boosting the reputation of Lampedusa and supporting the rights and hopes of its community for ten years now. Recently, the Italian singer wrote a letter to the President of the Italian Republic, the Presidents of the Senate and of the Chamber of Deputies, the Prime Minister and other Ministers involved, firmly asking “not to forget about the island of Lampedusa and its people” and to start a “new phase” in order to reduce “the huge gap in terms of rights, opportunities and quality of life” between Lampedusa and the rest of the country.

Therefore, with no “intention of providing answers, but simply moved by his civic pride”, Baglioni has already made government authorities aware about the need for a“specific package of actions” that would allow Lampedusa to get through “the longest and hardest emergency” in its complex history.

Among the supported actions, there is the need to “postpone the next tax deadlines, so that the island’s fragile economy will find some relief. If, as it seems probable, the landings will continue and even increase, tourism in Lampedusa (its only resource) will be heavily damaged,” Baglioni wrote.

“Lampedusa should not be penalized if compared to the rest of the country, especially in terms of air links (tour operators have suspended flights until the end of May, as there are too many risks: next June we will know whether the summer schedule is confirmed or not), power supplies, petrol, electricity, gas, water and basic necessities.”

“There is also the need to gather the funds necessary to implement some basic projects (such as the drainage system). Lampedusa needs them in order to receive immigrants from any country but also to allow its inhabitants to live a worthy life.”

Baglioni also asked government authorities to visit the island: that would have a “great political value”, especially in the present situation and during the celebrations forItaly's 150thunification anniversary. It would also be an “important sign for Lampedusa, for our country, for the entire Mediterranean Basin and for all Europe”.

Baglioni and the O’scia’ Foundation wish that the measures taken by the Council of Ministers this morning will be put into practice very soon, starting a new season when Lampedusa and its people will really become Italian and European citizens and will really have equal opportunities in terms of rights, infrastructures, goods and services.

Lampedusa Emergency: Claudios words about the situation at Lampedusa:
 
We are facing difficult times, one of the most serious emergencies of recent years.

A huge tragedy is taking place just a few miles from our coasts, and we have no idea of its consequences. In any case, they will be very serious in terms of humanitarian crisis, but also for the effects on politics and economy.

Nothing will be the same again.

This regards not only Libya, but the entire Mediterranean Basin, which has always been a very important area for international geo-political balance.

During one of the most serious emergencies of the last sixty years, a little spot on what was once called the “Mare Nostrum” is showing once again its humanity, solidarity and dignity.

In these difficult times, people in Lampedusa are determined to put into practice their traditional values: humanity, mutual aid, hospitality, generosity.

This small population knows everything about the sea: its wonders and its harshness, its charms and its horrors, its salvation and its damnation. In spite of their problems and their poverty, they are always ready to open their doors, lend a hand and share the little they have with you.

They are a model and an example to all of us.

The serious emergency that is upsetting the Mediterranean area and our neighbouring countries is a European problem, that must be faced by Europe and its institutions. Let’s make it clear: Europe must give answers, not just for its moral duty as an UNI0N, but especially for the pressing political, social, economical and security reasons. Nobody can ignore or underestimate these reasons, particularly the supporters of the so-called “realpolitik”.

The Italian government cannot be left alone to face such a big challenge just because Italy is geographically closer to the countries involved. At the same time, the people of Lampedusa cannot be left alone and helpless to face the historic phenomenon of migrations, one of the most serious and pressing emergencies of our times.

This must be done both when migrations are “physiological”, as some of us like to say, and also when they become a dramatic “pathology” that may affect the “health” of very large areas.

Actually, what we see is just the surface of the problem. We must understand that if we cannot cure this strong “fever” now, it will be hard – if not impossible – to cure the disease in the future, when it may get much stronger and more virulent.

Italyis not a second-class territory in Europe.

And Lampedusa is not a second-class territory in Italy.

And, as Italian citizens rightfully are European citizens, the people of Lampedusa rightfully are Italian citizens.

Therefore both the European UNI0N and the Italian government must respect and listen to the people of Lampedusa. And give answers too.

The EU and the Italian government must allow the people of Lampedusa to fully exercise their right of citizenship. The right of citizenship, both Italian and European, does not depend on the number of inhabitants or on the largeness of a territory and its geographical position.

As long as there is even a single metre of Italian or European land under threat or facing problems, or a single Italian and European citizen whose rights are ignored, Italy and the EU cannot feel worthy of their role.

The people of Lampedusa are showing their civility, responsibility and generosity to all the world.

The world is looking at us and expects that Europe does not forget about Italy and that Italy does not forget about Lampedusa.

Lampedusa is much more than an island. Lampedusa is both a symbol and a laboratory.

It is a symbol of that civility and of those values that Europe cannot give up, as they are part of our history and identity. It is also a history laboratory, where people can test the meaning of the word “politics”, as well as its capacity to bear and balance the different forces that may affect the entire continent in the future.

As a matter of fact, what is happening today in Lampedusa will soon happen in Brussels, Berlin, Paris, London, up to the most remote and quiet areas of our continent. Nobody who really cares for the future stability of the Mediterranean Basin and of Europe can ignore these problems.

Civis lampedusanus sum (I am a citizen of Lampedusa). And, therefore, an Italian citizen. And, therefore, a European citizen. I’m asking the European institutions to support our government to do what he is supposed to: lead us safely to a peaceful and hopefully prosperous future.

Claudio Baglioni


 
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