Mirko Casadei, son of the legendary Raoul Casadei, carries forward the rich legacy of Italy's most renowned dance orchestra, the Casadei Orchestra. Founded in 1928 by Secondo Casadei, the orchestra is celebrated for its iconic tune "Romagna Mia," a symbol of Italian folk music. Mirko, born in 1972, took the helm in 2000, infusing the ensemble with contemporary flair while preserving its traditional roots.orchestracasadei.it+2orchestracasadei.it+2it.wikipedia.org+2it.wikipedia.org+4corriere.it+4orchestracasadei.it+4
🎶 A Musical Legacy Reimagined
Under Mirko's leadership, the orchestra evolved from the "Mirko Casadei Beach Band" to the "Mirko Casadei POPular Folk Orchestra," reflecting a dynamic fusion of genres. Integrating elements of reggae, ska, tarantella, and Balkan rhythms, Mirko revitalized the liscio tradition, making it resonate with modern audiences. His collaborations with artists like Jovanotti, Max Gazzè, Gloria Gaynor, and Goran Bregović have further enriched the orchestra's diverse soundscape. romagnamania.blogspot.com+2it.wikipedia.org+2comune.venezia.it+2orchestracasadei.it+4corriere.it+4romagnamania.blogspot.com+4romagnamania.blogspot.com+4orchestracasadei.it+4comune.venezia.it+4
🌍 Global Footprints
The orchestra's reach extends beyond Italy, having performed in over 50 countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, and various European nations. Notably, in 2022, they joined Jovanotti at the Jova Beach Party in Marina di Ravenna, captivating an audience of over 50,000. Their international tours have fostered cultural exchanges, blending Italian folk with global musical traditions. comune.venezia.it+1orchestracasadei.it+1
🎉 Signature Events and Festivals
Mirko Casadei POPular Folk Orchestra is a staple at major Italian festivals, including:orchestracasadei.it+3comune.venezia.it+3it.wikipedia.org+3
Balamondo World Music Festival (Rimini): A celebration of world music, featuring artists like Richard Galliano and Marc Ribot.
Notte del Liscio (Rimini): A tribute to traditional dance music, with performances alongside Goran Bregović.
OnDance Festival (Verona): A dance extravaganza curated by Roberto Bolle.
Rockin’1000 (Cesena): A massive rock band performance that brought together thousands of musicians. musicommission.emiliaromagnacultura.it+6comune.venezia.it+6orchestracasadei.it+6corriere.it+3orchestracasadei.it+3it.wikipedia.org+3
These events showcase the orchestra's versatility and commitment to preserving and innovating within the liscio tradition.comune.venezia.it+5corriere.it+5orchestracasadei.it+5
📚 Cultural Contributions
Beyond performances, Mirko has co-authored the book Il figlio del re with singer-songwriter Zibba, chronicling the Casadei family's musical journey. He also directs the Balamondo World Music Festival, emphasizing the fusion of liscio with global musical influences. corriere.it+7orchestracasadei.it+7romagnamania.blogspot.com+7
🎤 Upcoming Performances
The orchestra's 2025 "Giramondo Tour" includes stops in:orchestracasadei.it+1orchestracasadei.it+1
San Marino Goodbye Festival (July 18)
Balamondo Festival (July 19–20)
Festa dell’Accoglienza (July 25)
Sagra dei Bringoli (July 12)
These events promise to be vibrant celebrations of Italian folk music, inviting audiences to experience the Casadei legacy firsthand.
🌟 A Living Tradition
Mirko Casadei continues to honor his family's musical heritage while pushing creative boundaries. His orchestra remains a testament to the enduring appeal of liscio, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation to captivate audiences worldwide.
For more information on upcoming events and the orchestra's history, visit the official website.