The screening “Ennio” is the last of five musical initiatives promoted by the Italian Cultural Institute of New York in partnership with Carnegie Hall’s “United in Sound: America at 250” festival.
A special screening of Ennio, the acclaimed documentary by Oscar-winning director Giuseppe Tornatore, dedicated to the life and music of Ennio Morricone.
Why Morricone belongs to United in Sound
Morricone stands at the crossroads of Italian tradition and American imagination. His music shaped the identity of American cinema—especially through the Spaghetti Westerns of Sergio Leone, which became a global cultural symbol of the United States.
Later, Morricone worked directly with American directors such as Brian De Palma, Oliver Stone, Terrence Malick, and Quentin Tarantino, composing scores that blended European lyricism with American storytelling. His work illustrates how America absorbed European influences and re-forged them into a new artistic identity—precisely the dynamic at the heart of United in Sound: America at 250.
Event Program
- Welcome & Introduction – Claudio Pagliara, Director of Italian Cultural Institute
- Screening of “Ennio” (2021, dir. Giuseppe Tornatore, 156 min., subtitled in English)
- Panel Discussion with Musical Interludes
For the first time ever, the Italian Cultural Institute of New York is partnering with Carnegie Hall for the 2025–2026 season festival, United in Sound: America at 250. This ambitious, multifaceted celebration reflects on the United States 250 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Showcasing the extraordinary musical riches that have flourished across the country, the festival offers a powerful portrait of America’s vibrant cultural landscape. Through its participation, the Italian Cultural Institute will highlight the deep and enduring friendship between Italy and the United States, celebrating the artistic dialogue that continues to unite the two nations.