Photo credits: Wondermaker.
This summer, the Italian Riviera sets the stage for two standout cultural events, curated by international production firm WONDERMAKER Inc. Known for its luxury events in select global destinations, the company brings British pop icon Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Russian television host Ivan Urgant to the storied Alpemare Beach in Forte dei Marmi.
On August 2nd, Sophie Ellis-Bextor will headline a gala dinner performance against the backdrop of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The singer, best known for her early-2000s global hits like “Murder on the Dancefloor” and “Heartbreak (Make Me a Dancer),” remains a recognizable voice in the pop world. Her show will be accompanied by a curated gastronomic experience, blending high-end coastal cuisine with a production design that channels nostalgia and contemporary elegance. DJ Nefertiti, a rising talent on the European club circuit and resident of Courchevel’s Baies Club, is also supporting the gala dinner. Known for her electro-disco and Afro-house sets, she has played stages from Ibiza’s Bora Bora to Mykonos’s Sanctuary. Her musical direction aligns with the curated spontaneity WONDERMAKER Inc. aims to deliver.
Photo credits: Wondermaker.
One week later, on August 9th, Alpemare Beach will host Zhivoy Urgant ("Live Urgant"), marking Ivan Urgant’s first-ever show in Italy. The host, who rose to prominence with his signature late-night format in Russia, brings an adapted version of his show to the beach. The evening is expected to feature musical parodies, improvisational sketches on Russo-Italian culture, and guest appearances by Ekaterina Varnava, Alexander Gudkov, and the band Frukty.
Photo credits: Wondermaker.
Both events are part of WONDERMAKER Inc.’s broader vision: transforming high-end leisure into immersive artistic experiences. Their signature model - a blend of world-class entertainment, gourmet dining, and picturesque coastal settings - has earned the company a loyal international following. Alpemare, co-managed by the Bocelli family, continues its role as a long-term partner of the brand.
Photo credits: Wondermaker.
The Italian Riviera, with its natural beauty and cosmopolitan flair, remains an unrivaled stage for such moments - where elegance and artistry converge under the summer sky.