Assisi hosted a Memorial Ceremony in honour of Guido Dettoni della Grazia, who passed away on 6 March 2026. It was a special occasion that brought together family, friends, colleagues and admirers from around the world to remember and pay tribute to his life, his work and the lasting legacy he leaves behind as an artist, a friend and a human being.
Words, Music and Memories
in Santa Maria delle Rose
Video: Massimo Santopaolo
Photo: Mauro Berti, Enrica Bruni, Sara Santopaolo, Xavi Ribó
CARLES DUARTE PRESENTS
MARIA: La Madonna trovata
Carles Duarte, poet, linguist and close friend of Guido, presented MARIA: La Madonna trovata, Guido Dettoni della Grazia’s final written work, completed just days before his death and published posthumously.
Duarte reflected on MARIA as a work “found” by the artist and explored its artistic and spiritual significance. He also wrote the book’s foreword, as well as several poems inspired by Guido’s work, especially the sculpture MARIA.
SILVIA ORCIARI’S MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO GUIDO DETTONI DELLA GRAZIA
Musical Tribute to Guido Dettoni della Grazia, conceived by Silvia Orciari, voice artist, vocal coach and creator of the Canto Integrativo® method.
For the occasion, she presented a five-part vocal journey conceived as an intimate and personal tribute to the artist, weaving together chants from the ancient mystical tradition, original compositions and new vocal expressions, culminating in the first performance of her sound work E vibro, created especially for the ceremony.
Donatella Casciarri, Councillor of the Municipality of Assisi, representing the City of Assisi.
Francesco Fiorelli, who represented the Cathedral Chapter of San Rufino at the time when it initially managed the exhibition.
Mauro Ferretti, President and Magister Templi of the Association of Catholic Templars, which recognised MARIA as its own White Madonna of the Mantle.
Silvia Buzi, Member of the Santa Maria delle Rose Cooperative.
Lorella Falascchi, Member of the Santa Maria delle Rose Cooperative.
Ida Dettoni, daughter of Guido Dettoni della Grazia and President of the Santa Maria delle Rose Cooperative.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the portrait of Guido Dettoni della Grazia, which will remain permanently on display at the exhibition in Santa Maria delle Rose, becoming part of the place that has preserved and shared his artistic legacy in Assisi.
The event was moderated by architect Simone Menichelli.
