Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and top political and cultural figures gathered at Verona’s ancient Arena amphitheater for an open-air celebration of Italian lyric opera’s recognition by UNESCO. Conductor Riccardo Muti led an orchestra of 170 musicians, joined by over 314 choral singers and a cast of global opera stars performing Italian opera greatest hits. The celebration highlighted the importance of Italian opera as a global cultural treasure, with mutual pride resonating among the artists and audience.
Muti emphasized the significance of the UNESCO recognition as a point of departure rather than an endpoint. Italian opera has a rich heritage that has been shared with the world, and the recognition has brought much-needed attention to this timeless art form. The ancient Arena in Verona served as a fitting venue for the celebration, given its history of summer opera festivals that have made opera accessible to a diverse audience. The event aimed to showcase the unity and strength of the Italian opera community, bringing together local talents and international stars.
The gala featured performances by renowned Italian opera stars like Luca Salsi, Francesco Meli, and Vittorio Grigolo, as well as international talents such as Jonas Kaufmann and Jessica Pratt. Despite Russian soprano Anna Netrebko’s last-minute cancellation due to illness, the event was a testament to the power of collaboration and cultural exchange through music. The participation of artists from diverse backgrounds highlighted the global appeal and relevance of Italian opera on the world stage.
The recognition of Italian opera by UNESCO has been embraced by Italy’s far-right-led government, with figures like Meloni and Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano attending the gala. The event also welcomed Italy’s nonpartisan president Sergio Mattarella, emphasizing unity and national pride. Muti’s choice to transition from the Italian anthem to Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” the European Union anthem, symbolized a message of inclusion and solidarity amidst the backdrop of political elections in Europe.
As Europe faces critical elections for the European Parliament, the celebration of Italian opera’s UNESCO recognition serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural heritage and artistic expression in promoting unity and understanding. The event at the Verona Arena showcased the beauty and diversity of Italian opera, uniting artists and audiences in a shared appreciation for this timeless art form. The significance of this recognition extends beyond national borders, highlighting the enduring legacy of Italian opera on the global stage.
