Retablos is an intimate, one-night-only concert that brings together two celebrated Italian artists, Riccardo Tesi and Giua, who have been friends and collaborators for more than twenty years.

For the first time, they present a full duo performance, merging their different musical worlds into one powerful and emotional experience.

This concert invites the audience on a journey through songwriting, folk traditions and evocative instrumental music.

Giua’s warm, expressive voice and poetic songwriting blend seamlessly with Riccardo Tesi’s masterful accordion, creating a sound that feels both deeply rooted in tradition and refreshingly modern.

Throughout the evening, the music moves between intimate ballads, rich folk melodies and striking instrumental pieces, while the artists share stories, memories and reflections drawn from their lives and travels.

Retablos was born from the encounter between two distinct musical worlds: that of songwriting, expressed through the words and voice of Giua, and that of tradition and original instrumental compositions, by Riccardo Tesi.

The title of the show is inspired by one of the major expressions of Peruvian art, the Retablos, small portable wooden boxes that in ancient times contained figures of saints and today also reproduce scenes from everyday life. Magic boxes then, windows that open and tell a story, that make you travel to distant worlds, just like music.

About the artists

Riccardo Tesi is an internationally acclaimed accordionist and composer, celebrated for his innovative approach to Italian folk and world music. With over forty years of experience, he has recorded more than 25 albums and performed at major festivals across Europe, Australia, Canada and Japan. Tesi is the leader of Banditaliana and a member of Samurai, the European all-star accordion quintet.

Find out more at his website: https://www.riccardotesi.com/ 

Giua (Maria Pierantoni Giua) is an award-winning singer, songwriter and guitarist with a strong presence in Italian music and theatre. She has released five albums, collaborated with leading musicians including Riccardo Tesi, and contributed music to theatrical productions such as Maria Stuarda and La buona novella. Giua is currently working on her next studio album.

See Retablos on Youtube HERE

Listen to Retablos HERE