ControTempo – Paolo Fresu and John Helliwell with the Martini Big Band of Bologna

On Wednesday 11 November 2026, for the first time ever, John Helliwell, long-time saxophonist of Supertramp, and Paolo Fresu, one of the most internationally acclaimed jazz trumpeters, take the stage together at the Teatro Celebrazioni as guests of the Martini Big Band of Bologna, conducted by Michele Corcella, with Silvia Giangrossi as assistant conductor.

The evening, entitled “ControTempo”, features some of the best-loved songs from the repertoires of Supertramp and David Bowie in original arrangements for Big Band. The arrangements have been created especially for the occasion and will receive their world premiere, in a reinterpretation blending jazz, pop and rock. It is a brand-new musical project designed for a broad and diverse audience.

The concert is promoted by the Associazione Amici della Fondazione Hospice MariaTeresa Chiantore Seràgnoli ETS, a voluntary organisation that has supported the Foundation since 2004 through fundraising activities and initiatives aimed at raising awareness of palliative care.

All proceeds will go to the Fondazione Hospice MariaTeresa Chiantore Seràgnoli, which provides free care to patients with incurable illnesses and their families at the Bentivoglio, Bellaria and Casalecchio hospices and at the L’Arca sull’Albero Paediatric Hospice.