Singer Frank Gioia will represent Canada on one of Italy's most celebrated musical stages.
Gioia will participate in the Sanremo Senior 2025 International Singing and Music Competition in Sanremo, Italy, an event that is slated to kick off today and run through Oct. 25.
The event includes singers from 17 countries.
Gioia will perform Marina, a song by Italian-Belgian legend Rocco Granata.
Granata's 1959 success at Sanremo inspired generations of artists.
Marina holds special significance for Gioia as both his father and Granata were born in Figline Vegliaturo, a small village in Calabria.
Alongside musician Frank Greco, Gioia reimagined Marina as a piano-led arrangement highlighting its romantic warmth. Their version has been praised for its elegance and emotion and honours Granata’s melody while adding modern depth.
"My participation at Sanremo Senior 2025 is both a personal milestone and a great opportunity to share Canadian talent," Gioia said.
"It’s an honour to bring my roots and my voice to Italy."
Sanremo Senior is for solo singers aged 34 and over and is broadcast globally on the official Sanremo Senior YouTube channel.