The Trio Lescano and the EIAR: 100 years of Italian Radio

Il Trio Lescano and the EIAR: Italian Radio Turns 100 Years Old

During the evening, the documentary Tulip Time (2007), directed by Marco De Stefanis and Tonino Boniotti (56 min., in Italian with English subtitles), will be screened. The documentary tells the extraordinary career of Trio Lescano, the famous Dutch singing group that won the hearts of Italians in the 1930s and 1940s. Prior to the screening, Franco Tirletti will introduce the history of the three Leschan sisters with a biographical presentation, accompanied by historical photos projected on the big screen.

The sisters Alexandrina Eveline (known as Alessandra), Judith (Judik), and Catherina Matje Leschan, known in Italy as Trio Lescano, revolutionized the Italian music scene with their unique style, influenced by American swing. With perfect vocals and extraordinary harmony, they became the queens of pop music during the interwar period. Thanks to their crystal-clear voices and innovative arrangements, they were among the first artists to experiment with new radio recording techniques and became icons of the emerging Italian music industry.

Their remarkable success is also partly due to the managerial skills of their mother, Eva de Leeuwe, who closely followed her daughters' careers and took care of every detail, from performances to contracts. Eva was a determined and visionary woman, able to protect her daughters from the harsh world of entertainment and turn their innate artistic talents into unprecedented success. It was under her guidance that the Lescano sisters transitioned from performing in circuses and theaters on cruise ships to reaching the top of the Italian music scene and becoming central figures in EIAR's radio programs.

The songs of Trio Lescano, light and carefree melodies such as Tulipan and Pippo non lo sa, became the soundtrack of an Italy that, between dreams and desires for escape, was experiencing a complex historical moment. Their success was so great that they became the absolute stars of the music programming of that era, making radio a popular and innovative medium.

Following the documentary screening, Marco De Stefanis will share with the audience the genesis of the film, with anecdotes and details about the filming. The event is free of charge, but pleas reserve your seat via this link.

Please note: The event will be in Italian, with simultaneous translation into Dutch.