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Women for Freedom in Jazz – 2026

To mark its tenth anniversary, the charity and cultural festival Women For Freedom in Jazz moves to Venice at Hotel Aquarius, located within the 18th-century Palazzo Pemma Zambelli.
From June to October 2026, the hotel’s inner courtyard, private garden, and elegant lounges will host five scheduled events that blend jazz music, literature, and solidarity.
Objectives and History of the Festival
The event was created to raise public awareness and gather funds for Women For Freedom, a humanitarian organization dedicated to combating gender-based violence and supporting women facing hardship and discrimination.
Over the past nine editions, thanks to the support of the Cori family and the Hotel Carlton On The Grand Canal, the festival has donated approximately 40,000 euros to the association.
The central theme of the 2026 edition explores the connections between music and literary texts, featuring projects inspired by both classic and contemporary authors and poets.
The festival is curated by Elena Ferrarese in collaboration with Alvise Seggi.
“Over the years, our role, both in Italy and abroad, has increasingly focused on changing mindsets by addressing the root causes of these issues,” explains Davide Parise, co-founder of Women For Freedom. “Spreading the message of a culture of respect has involved hospitality professionals, artists, and journalists alike. We are delighted to be hosted in the beautiful new spaces of Hotel Aquarius.”
Concert Program (June – October 2026)
Concerts will take place monthly, on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM.
- June 17 | Elena Camerin
The festival opens with Venetian jazz singer Elena Camerin, currently based in the United States and active in the underground jazz scenes of New York and Denver. Alongside pianist and composer Matteo Alfonso, she will present an original project inspired by the writings of Italo Calvino, including Cosmicomics, The Baron in the Trees, and Six Memos for the Next Millennium. - July 8 | Rosa Emilia Dias
The refined Bahian singer-songwriter and performer Rosa Emilia Dias will pay tribute to the musical and poetic works of Antonio Carlos Ferreira de Brito (Cacaso), a prominent figure in Brazilian popular music. She will be accompanied on the piano by Maestro Marco Ponchiroli. - August 26 | Rita Bincoletto
Singer Rita Bincoletto and guitarist Diego Vio will present a repertoire of original compositions inspired by the lyrics of Luciano Menetto, a Venetian poet who used the local language to explore universal and intimate human themes. - September 9 | Francesca Bertazzo Hart
International jazz talent Francesca Bertazzo Hart will lead a multidisciplinary project dedicated to Emily Dickinson. The performance weaves together jazz improvisation, spoken word, and dance, featuring narration by Giovanna Denaro and original piano compositions by Francesco Carta. - October 7 | Namritha Nori and Alba Nabulsi
The closing event features a joint performance by Italian-Indian musician Namritha Nori and Italian-Palestinian journalist and author Alba Nabulsi. The evening offers a journey through music and storytelling centered on family memory and the collective identity of the Palestinian people, supported by Alvise Seggi on cello.
Event Information & Access
During the events, guests will have the opportunity to learn more about the humanitarian projects led by Women For Freedom and contribute directly to their support.
- Time:
Wednesdays at 7:00 PM - Admission:
15 euros, including the first drink at the hotel bar. - Venue:
Hotel Aquarius, Palazzo Pemma Zambelli, Venice.
Admission subject to availability. Mandatory drink: €15.00
