Dori Ghezzi defended free expression and the right to attend public cultural events following a public disruption at L’Agnata, the former home of singer-songwriter Fabrizio De André in Gallura, where a spectator protested the front-row presence of government minister Matteo Salvini during a tribute concert by singer Diodato.
The Incident at L’Agnata and Dori Ghezzi’s Response
According to an interview published by Europe Says, the disruption occurred three evenings ago during an open-air concert dedicated to the late artist Fabrizio De André. Minister Matteo Salvini was seated in the front row when a female spectator voiced her opposition to his presence before eventually leaving the venue. Dori Ghezzi, partner of the late singer and custodian of the estate, stated that her primary concern was the interruption of the musical performance itself.
“I was sorry above all that the concert was interrupted,” Ghezzi said, according to the source material. “Diodato was singing with great intensity, with respect and love for Fabrizio, and at that moment it seemed important to me to protect the music, the public, the atmosphere that had been created.”
Ghezzi acknowledged that public figures can evoke strong reactions, noting that while she understands political dissent, public venues hosting cultural events should not become arenas for exclusion. “The music shouldn’t become the place where you decide who can stay and who can’t,” she stated in the interview.
Defending Pluralism and Public Access to Culture
Addressing her decision to speak out publicly following the event, Ghezzi emphasized the importance of political pluralism and democratic dialogue. As reported by Europe Says, she made clear that her stance was rooted in principles of openness rather than agreement with the minister’s political platform.
“I don’t think democracy can live only among people who think the same way,” Ghezzi explained. She added that she has always maintained clear leftist political convictions, yet believes that political differences do not strip an individual of the right to participate in public life or enjoy cultural works.
“It means recognizing that a person can be distant from us politically and yet have the right to listen to a concert, to stay in a public place, to be reached by the music,” Ghezzi stated. “If we lose this, if we turn every space into a boundary, then we have already given up something important.”
Navigating De André’s Legacy and Anti-Authoritarian Themes
Critics of the event pointed out a perceived contradiction between Salvini’s political alignment and the anti-authoritarian, anti-establishment themes prevalent in De André’s body of work, which frequently centered on outcasts, rebels, and marginalized populations. Ghezzi acknowledged this tension but rejected the idea of policing who is permitted to listen to the artist’s catalog.
“Fabrizio gave a voice to the last, to the disobedient, to the excluded,” Ghezzi noted. However, she emphasized that De André’s work resists rigid categorization and should remain accessible to anyone, including political opponents who might be challenged or prompted to reflect by the lyrics.
Highlighting De André’s anti-authoritarian stance—exemplified by tracks like “Nella mia ora di libertà”—Ghezzi argued that the late songwriter’s anarchism rejected the suppression of individuals rather than human beings themselves. “Contesting a power is one thing; preventing a person from listening to a song is another,” she said.
Diodato’s Stage Response and the Future of L’Agnata
Performer Diodato addressed the audience directly from the stage during the incident, remarking that it was not his role to expel attendees and expressing hope that De André’s music might influence political figures positively. Ghezzi praised the artist’s reaction as respectful and measured.
“Diodato was a guest, he was there to sing, and he chose not to turn the concert into a clash,” Ghezzi observed. “He reaffirmed the distances, but defended the music.”
L’Agnata, located in Gallura, operates today as a rural agritourism property and a cultural memorial site preserving the history shared by Ghezzi and De André, who were both victims of a high-profile kidnapping at the location in 1979. Ghezzi stressed that the estate must remain an open, welcoming space rather than a closed sanctuary or a political tribunal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the controversy at L’Agnata?
A spectator objected to the presence of government minister Matteo Salvini in the front row during a tribute concert for Fabrizio De André performed by Diodato, leading to a temporary interruption of the event.
What was Dori Ghezzi’s official stance on the protest?
According to Europe Says, Ghezzi defended the principle of open public access, stating that individuals should not be barred or ejected from concerts based on their political beliefs, while emphasizing the importance of protecting the musical atmosphere.
How did artist Diodato handle the interruption?
Diodato chose to continue his performance, stating from the stage that it was not his place to remove audience members and expressing a desire for the music to encourage reflection.
What is the historical significance of L’Agnata?
Located in Gallura, Sardinia, L’Agnata was the home of Dori Ghezzi and Fabrizio De André, where the couple was kidnapped in 1979. Today, it functions as an open agritourism destination and a public memorial site.
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