Fortunato Stillittano and Valentina Donato Bringing the Soul of Calabria to the World.
In the vibrant world of traditional Italian folk music, few artists have managed to preserve cultural authenticity while captivating international audiences quite like Fortunato Stillittano and Valentina Donato. United both in music and in life as husband and wife, the talented duo has become a celebrated symbol of Calabrian musical heritage through their renowned folk music project, PROGETTO TARANTELLA.
With a career built on passion, tradition, and cultural pride, the couple has dedicated their lives to preserving and promoting the rich rhythms, dances, and sounds of Southern Italy. Their performances are deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of Calabria, a region known for its energetic tarantella rhythms, emotional melodies, and vibrant folkloric identity. Through their artistry, they have transformed local traditions into an international cultural experience.
Over the years, PROGETTO TARANTELLA has performed hundreds of concerts and live shows across Italy and around the world, earning admiration from audiences of all generations. After first conquering Calabria with their electrifying stage presence and authentic performances, Fortunato and Valentina quickly expanded their influence throughout Italy. Their music resonated across regions including Sicily, Puglia, Abruzzo, Molise, Lazio, Lombardy, Piedmont, Liguria, and Trentino-Alto Adige, where audiences embraced the duo’s powerful celebration of Italian folk culture.
Their artistic journey soon crossed international borders, bringing the sound of Calabria to prestigious stages throughout Europe. The duo performed in major cities including Brussels in Belgium, Nice in France, as well as Liechtenstein and several important Swiss cultural centers such as Lugano, Zurich, Basel, and St. Gallen. Every performance became more than a concert — it was a cultural bridge connecting Italian traditions with global audiences.
One of the most remarkable milestones in their career came in 2022, when they embarked on a highly successful tour across Australia. During this unforgettable experience, Fortunato Stillittano and Valentina Donato proudly represented Calabria and Italy in some of the country’s largest and most respected Italian clubs and cultural communities. Their performances brought nostalgia, emotion, and joy to Italian communities abroad while also introducing international audiences to the beauty of Calabrian folk music.
What makes the duo truly unique is their ability to combine authenticity with modern stage energy. Their music is not only a tribute to the past, but also a living expression of culture capable of inspiring new generations. Through traditional instruments, passionate vocals, and captivating dance performances, they continue to keep the spirit of Calabria alive on stages around the world.
Today, Fortunato Stillittano and Valentina Donato stand as ambassadors of Italian folk heritage, proving that traditional music has the power to unite people beyond language, geography, and generations. Their journey with PROGETTO TARANTELLA continues to inspire audiences worldwide, carrying the heartbeat of Calabria across continents through rhythm, passion, and tradition.
