The Opening Ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games got underway at the Verona Olympic Arena, featuring mega-suterstar acts including Stewart Copeland and Mimì Caruso.
One of the first acts announced to perform at the Opening Ceremony, included legendary drummer Copeland co-founded UK rock band The Police with lead singer Sting and guitarist Henry Padovani. The group achieved global fame with hits including 'Every Breath You Take', 'Message in a Bottle' and 'Roxanne', before Copeland embarked on a hugely successful solo career. Meduza, the widely-acclaimed trio of Italian house music producers, Luca de Gregorio, Mattia Vitale and Simone Giani shot to stardom with their debut release 'Piece of Your Heart featuring Goodboys', which has been streamed over two billion times globally.
The track reached the top 10 charts in 20 countries and was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2019. Also performing was Caruso, who is one of the most prominent voices on the new Italian music scene.
Her intense and distinctive voice interweaved soul, R&B, and contemporary influences, with the story of her identity and determination making her an inspiration to the new generation. Then there was Dardust, a.k.a. Dario Faini, who is the official composer of the Paralympic Winter Games soundtrack, who intertwined his piano and electronic music to shape the concept of the ceremony 'Life in Motion'.
Dardust is one of the most influential musicians and producers on the Italian music scene, with over 100 platinum records. Also taking centre stage was multi award-winning performer, artist, director and choreographer, Chiara Bersani, whose international work explores diverse languages and visions, and is currently the Associate Artist of the Triennale Milano theatre and is among the leading actors in contemporary performing arts.
As the first DJ in the world to perform with an advanced myoelectric prosthesis, allowing him to spin vinyls and control mixers with extraordinary precision, DJ Miky Bionic – a.k.a. Michele Specchiale - was able to highlight his extraordinary skills at one of the most anticipated events of 2026, as he brings his talent, innovation and determination on stage at the Verona Olympic Arena.