Date: 16 October 2025 (Thursday)
Time: 6:30pm
Venue: Wyndham Social, G/F, Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong
Language: In Italian with English translation
Registration required. Please register here.
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Join us for An Evening with Renato Martinoni, celebrated writer and finalist for the prestigious 2025 Strega Prize (Italy). Martinoni will share insights into his acclaimed new work, Ricordi di suoni e di luci: storia di un poeta e della sua follia (Memories of Sounds and Lights: The Story of a Poet and His Madness), a compelling exploration of the life and struggles of the Italian poet Dino Campana (1885–1932).
Discover the inspiration behind this deeply moving narrative, delve into the delicate interplay of genius and madness, and engage in an intimate discussion about one of the most talked-about literary works of the year. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from the author himself and gain a deeper understanding of the book that has captured the hearts of readers and critics alike.
This event is organised by the Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong, the Consulate General of Switzerland in Hong Kong, Italian Cultural Institute in Hong Kong and Dante Alighieri Society in Hong Kong, with Wyndham Social as Venue Partner. This event is a part of the celebration of the Week of Italian Language in the World. The 25th edition of the Week of the Italian Language in the World will be held from 13 to 19 October 2025, with the theme “Italophony: Language Beyond Borders”. The theme highlights the importance of the Italian language as a vehicle of culture and identity beyond geographical boundaries.
About the Speaker: Prof Renato Martinoni
Renato Martinoni (b.1952) was a Professor of Italian Literature at the University of St. Gallen from 1992 to 2018. From 2001 to 2016, he was also Visiting Professor of Comparative Literature at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. Since 1978, he has also taught at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich and at the universities of Zurich and Lausanne.
From 1995 to 1997, he was Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of St. Gallen. He has held various positions, including Central Councillor of the Dante Alighieri Society in Rome (1994–2016), of which he is now Councillor Emeritus; member of the Board of Trustees of Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council (1996–2005); President of the Collegium Romanicum, the Swiss Society of Romance Languages and Literatures (2001-2005). He is the Artistic Director of FestivaLLibro, the book fair associated with the Locarno Film Festival.
