Michele Zarrillo

The Profile

Italian singer-songwriter from Rome, active since the 1970s. Former guitarist of progressive rock band Semiramis. Winner of Sanremo’s Newcomers section in 1987 with La notte dei pensieri; known for hits such as Cinque giorni, Una rosa blu and L'elefante e la farfalla.

Michele Zarrillo (Italian) is a pop/cantautore figure active from the 1970s to today. He debuted with the prog band Semiramis, later achieving mainstream success at the Sanremo Music Festival (Newcomers winner, 1987). Signature songs include Cinque giorni, Una rosa blu, L'elefante e la farfalla, L'acrobata and Il canto del mare.

Three reviews circle around Zarrillo’s romantic pop: two dreamlike, empathetic takes and one sharply critical appraisal of a greatest-hits selection. Highlights cited include Il canto del mare, Una rosa blu and L'elefante e la farfalla. One review compares his vocals and style to Claudio Baglioni. Overall mood: intimate storytelling versus melodic sameness.