March 9, 2016: several events within the framework of Russian-Italian project Rock Without Borders were held in the cities of Taganrog and Rostov on Don on March 1-6, 2016. Earlier, in November 2015 Lino Vairetti - sculptor, artist and front man of the Italian psychedelic/progressive rock band OSANNA participated in the Exhibition of Italian artists "I Rosamilia + Vairetti", which was held at Taganrog Museum of Art. It was also the first time the leader and founder of the rock band Osanna performed with musicians of Taganrog-based band Bez Dna.


After the first visit to Taganrog, musicians of the Italian psychedelic/progressive rock band OSANNA and Taganrog-based rock band Bez Dna came up with an idea to organize a new social and cultural project offering press conferences, gatherings, lectures, autograph signing sessions, photo shoot sessions, rehearsals, etc. The first two lectures were held on March 3, 2016: at 1:30 PM Lino Vairetti and Salvatore Priore met with Taganrog Teachers College students and teachers to discuss the topic "Progressive rock and current trends in modern rock music", which was followed by the lecture "Art therapy as a method of psychological correction for disabled persons" at 4PM in Taganrog Chekhov Public Library. Next day, an open public rehearsal was held in the local motorcycle club Lucky Road. March 5, 2016 another lecture - "Multimedia in contemporary art" - was delivered by Lino Vairetti at Taganrog Chekhov Public Library.


The Russian-Italian music project culminated in OSANNA and Bez Dna gathering onstage of Taganrog's GDK (Community Center) on March 6, 2016. "Art must be accessible", argues Lino Vairetti - this is why the entry for all lectures and gatherings within the framework of the project were free of charge, and tickets for the final show were available at affordable prices, with many given out for free to disabled persons. "When I was young I was a supporter of communism. Now I am far from politics, but the ideas of social justice and equality of people are very dear to me", told Mr. Vairetti.


The concert program consisted of songs written by OSANNA and Bez Dna. Lino Vairetti, being an adherent of multimedia approach in art, transformed the concert into a true multimedia show. Italian and Russian musicians came on stage wearing the traditional OSANNA makeup. Lino changed dress several times: black tunica, black and white cloak, and, finally black and white striped shirt. By maestro's idea, the visual imagery on the screen was aligned with the show on stage, enriching the music. Rock-and-roll was mixed with airs of folklore, carnival, blues and jazz.


Among characteristic must-haves used by Lino Vairetti on stage are traditional multicolored masks as worn by Pulchinella, a character in the commedia dell'arte of the 17th century. Some researchers believe the mask was designed sometime in the late 16th century in the neighborhood of Naples. The mythology of the old and new Naples - Palepolitania - is dedicated to Goffredo Mameli, author of the lyrics of the national anthem of Italy and is reflected in Lino Vairetti's music and art. He considers it his mission to promote the Neapolitan culture, which is why he performed a medley of popular Neapolitan songs, known worldwide: "Fenesta vascia", "I' te vurria vasa", "O sole mio". "Our main task is to export the contemporary Neapolitan culture - the one that made the city of Naples known around the world", told the leader of OSANNA.


The audience in Taganrog was very excited to hear the lyrics of "Katyusha" - Lino Vairetti performed together with Russian musicians his very own translation into Italian of this famous Soviet wartime song. According to the leader of OSANNA, the song reminded him of "O' surdato nnammurato" - a famous song written in the Neapolitan language during World War I. In exchange, the singer of the Russian band Valentina Poddubnaya performed in duet with Lino Vairetti a song in Neapolitan. Some elements of the concert program and show were rehearsed in Italy and Russia or by online videoconferencing.


After the show, the Italian artist met the press. "I am happy! Of course, I am very tired after the two-hour concert: we did not get enough sleep and rehearsed a lot. Anyway despite all of this I am so happy to be on Taganrog stage. I received a colossal energy boost from the audience. I've met nice, optimistic and cheerful people in Taganrog and Rostov. There is no other city on earth like Naples, but I surely would move to live in this place", told Lino Vairetti.