Prague – The Bianca d’Aponte Award, a music event that for more than twenty years has promoted emerging Italian female singer-songwriters and original songwriting, returned to Prague with the opening concert of its 2026 tour. The performance took place on March 5 in the Baroque Chapel of the Italian Cultural Institute in Prague, which partnered with the initiative for the second consecutive year. Performing before a full house were Lumen (2025 finalist), Gabriella Martinelli (2016 finalist), Giulia Pratelli (Best Lyrics Award 2018), and Micaela Tempesta (winner of the 2025 edition and Critics’ Prize co-winner with Nove). Several moments of the concert featured double bass accompaniment by Ferruccio Spinetti, the artistic director of the award. The evening concluded with an emotional tribute to Bianca d’Aponte, as the four singers joined their voices to perform one of her songs, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience. Marialuisa Pappalardo, director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Prague, praised the initiative for its “high cultural value,” noting that it has long provided a platform for the talent of Italian singer-songwriters and created opportunities for dialogue among artists, music professionals, the specialized press and music lovers. The Prague event also marked the opening of applications for the 22nd edition of the Bianca d’Aponte Award, promoted by the Bianca d’Aponte Music Association. Entries are free and open to all musical genres, from alternative rock to urban, jazz and world music. Applications close on March 30, while the final performances will take place at the Teatro Cimarosa in Aversa on October 23–24.