Five concerts, organised by DEMO, will take place opposite the Galleria Ferrari. Inside the Galleria is an exhibition dedicated to famous clients of the marque. To be inaugurated today at Maranello's Galleria Ferrari and part of the 'Ferrari and Music' event, the show will run until 31 August. On display will be the testimonies of musical greats from the past and present that describe their love for the Prancing Horse. Ferrari will have Michael Pergolani and Renato Marengo, the talented pair behind the Radio 1 show, DEMO, to organise the event. 'Ferrari and Music' will be open to the public and is situated in Via Dino Ferrari, directly opposite Ferrari's gallery-museum. There will be one group in concert each week. Demo have arranged for some big names on the Italian music scene to appear. Among those confirmed are Francesco Baccini, Mimmo Locasciulli, Cappello a Cilindro, Eugenio Finardi, Piero Marras and, from Maranello, the Road House Blues Band. As well as 24 June, the event dates are: 1, 6, 15 and 22 July.

Maranello's Galleria Ferrari is hosting, until 31 August, an original exhibition that blends cars and the Ferrari myth with jazz, pop, rock and opera. The show is paying homage to the Prancing Horse's famous clients. Thirty stars from the Italian and international musical stage have allowed their portraits and personal objects to be displayed. These include instruments, awards and stage clothing. Highlights are Miles Davis' trumpet, Placido Domingo's Othello costume, Nick Mason's instruments from his World Tour, a hat worn by Jason Kay from Jamiroquai, guitars played by Eric Clapton and Per Gessle from Roxette and the first microphone used on radio by Lucio Dalla.

FERRARI AND DEMO

Ferrari, whose engine rumble is music to the ears of fans, joins the world of real tunes: that produced by instruments and not valves and pistons. Briefly, the best world's finest technicians meet the best musical talent unearthed by DEMO, from the cult Radio 1 transmission. Ferrari have entrusted Michael Pergolani and Renato Marengo, the creators and presenters of the programme, to organise a series of concerts. On stage will be the best artists discovered by the talent spotters in the past five years. The concerts (five for the moment but more are planned for next season) enjoys the support of the Maranello council. They will be held every week between 24 June and 22 July on a stage situated opposite Maranello's Galleria Ferrari, close to the Fiorano track. On display as part of the 'Under DEMO direction' promotion, will appear the best names from every musical genre. One surprise will be a number of appearances by prestigious Italian and international stars.

Michael Pergolani: "I could not believe it when Antonio Ghini, Ferrari's head of Communications, first told me about the project. Ferrari called DEMO; not well known stars but DEMO! Not Vasco Rossi or Eric Clapton but unknown or little-known musicians who, perhaps sceptically, sent their demo to Saxa Rubra. This is maybe why Antonio called us as he felt the talent and passion we transmit"
 

Renato Marengo: "This means two things: first that the programme has been noticed for the music expressed and, second, that Antonio's phone call was the proof that is not just a niche group that listens but also 'normal' people from our generation. Further, they are, as they love to describe themselves, metalworkers. Aside from this, Ferrari's call filled us with pride as we do not collaborate with famous entities every day; ones that are the most loved and appreciated in Italy. This is how we and our guys feel, I can assure you."

Michael Pergolani: "I would like to add that quality, future and work are the principles behind DEMO. The same things, even though they are already mythical, informs what Ferrari does. These are two philosophies that are miles apart in the end product but that share the same soul. This is what struck us, me especially as I am a Red fan."

Antonio Ghini: "Every day Ferrari is about passion. At Maranello, in our Galleria Ferrari, tens of thousands of Ferrari supporters visit each year. With this exhibition, we wanted to combine these passions and join forces with Michael Pergolani and Renato Marengo, who work exactly as Ferrari does. In both cases, emotion is born and takes form".

Gianfranco D'Anna. Vice-Director of Radio 1 and Giornali Radio RAI: "Demo, since the beginning, has been a point of reference for all young talent, singers and musicians that do not have the means and guidance. This is a tough time for music in general and, particularly, for emerging talent. Taking on the role of public servant, RAI's Radio 1 has become DEMOcratic and offered the youngsters the chance of free access to a leading national radio station. The initiative's success contributes to safeguarding quality music and, thanks to the partnership with SIAE, aims to help emerging musicians avoid signing exploitative contracts".

SIAE AND DEMO

In order to promote music and give space and a voice to the immense untapped treasure hidden in Italy, SIAE offers to the programme the experience gained in its many external projects organised over the years. Every year, the SIAE x DEMO prize is awarded to the best performers. Further, a meeting point (DEMOpoint) has a presence at festivals, editorials and the events in which DEMO artists take part. SIAE will also be alongside DEMO at Maranello to meet young authors, members of not, musicians, fans and the general public. They will distribute gadgets and publicity material.