"The orchestra is conducted by Maestro Peppe Vessicchio." The Ariston audience clapped their hands every time the presenter uttered the ritual greeting and the camera focused on that charming, elegant gentleman with his unmistakable mustache, beard, and white hair.

The unexpected news today leaves us stunned: the celebrated conductor, arranger, and now popular television personality died this afternoon at the age of 69, at the San Camillo Hospital in Rome, where he had been admitted to intensive care following sudden complications from pneumonia.

"Peppe Vessicchio died from interstitial pneumonia that worsened very rapidly. The funeral will be strictly private ," the hospital confirmed in agreement with the family.

Born in Naples on March 17, 1956, Vessicchio began his career in music working alongside Nino Buonocore, Edoardo Bennato, Peppino di Capri, Peppino Gagliardi, and Lina Sastri. He co-wrote hits with Gino Paoli such as Ti lascio una canzone, Cosa faccio da grande, and Coppi.

For 35 years now he has been a regular presence at the Sanremo Festival, which he won as conductor four times : in 2010 with Valerio Scanu with the song Per tutte le volte che , but also in 2000 with Avion Travel (Sentimento), in 2003 with Alexia (Per dire di no) and in 2011 with Roberto Vecchioni (Chiamami ancora amore).

Outside of the festival, he has collaborated with the biggest names in Italian and international music: Andrea Bocelli, Zucchero, Elio e le Storie Tese, Ornella Vanoni, and Ron (with whom he had a theater tour planned for 2026), to name a few.

For years he had also worked as a teacher on Maria De Filippi's talent show Amici, a role that helped make him an idol even among the very young.

"An artist of great musical culture who gave so much and who will be missed. 'Maestro Beppe Vessicchio conducts the orchestra' wasn't just a phrase: it was home, it was Italy. Have a good trip," Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote on social media.

"In the most important moments of my life," recalls Marco Carta, who shares a moment from his experience at Amici , "there have always been those, like you, who knew how to truly listen. To music, to people, to the truth. Thank you, Maestro. I will carry you with me, always ."

"I don't believe it. I don't want to believe it. My dear, beautiful music," writes Luciana Littizzetto. "The passing of Maestro Vessicchio is a deep and sudden pain for me," Amadeus wrote. "We knew each other for 30 years, and until a few days ago, we laughed and joked, on air and behind the scenes. We will all miss you so much. Goodbye, Peppe."

(Unioneonline/D)

© Riproduzione riservata