Italian string quartet enthrals audience

The symphonic performance of four young and talented musicians on recently captivated the attention of Italian expatriates at the historic Qatar National Theatre Hall.The visiting Italian musical ensemble called Adorno Quartet played their instruments, including violin, viola, and cello and earned much deserved applause from the keen audience.They played some masterpieces representing the best European classical music, from Beethoven and Schubert’s pieces to Puccini  and a composition by the contemporary Italian composer Silvia Colasanti.The Adorno Quartet comprises four talented young Italian musicians, including Edoardo Zosi and Liu Pelliciari, on violin; Benedetta Bucci, viola; and Danilo Squitieri,cello. They are all former students of the prestigious Chigiana Academy of Siena.Since its formation in 2015, the quartet has performed for important promoters, participated in festivals and competitions and have won prizes with recognition around the world.The concert was organised by the Embassy of Italy within the framework of ‘Young Italian Music Talents in the World’ initiative.Speaking on the occasion, Pasquale Salzano, Ambassador of Italy, said, “The embassy has organised the concert in collaboration with Chigiana Academy of Siena. It is one of the most important music institutions in Italy, where musicians all around the world gather to attend highly specialised courses in string instruments. It was in the academy that the members of the quartet met each other, put a song, and started an international career.”He added, “The concert is a part of the ‘Young Italian Music Talents in the World’ initiative. The project was launched by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the academy to promote the Italian outstanding traditions in the fields of music and sports. Tonight, we will have the pleasure to enjoy the extraordinary talent of the quartet when they will play classical as well as contemporary European and Italian compositions.”“This year, the Embassy of Italy has implemented a wide and intense cultural programme in the fields of design, arts, cinema and the Italian language. We recently participated in Katara Dhow Festival showcasing some of our main and famous marine and artisanal traditions as well. Now, it is time to promote our outstanding interpreters and our music culture. The Italian legacy in the field of classical music is remarkable. Italian composers created the very first symphonies, the craftsmen invented musical instruments and refined many others, including piano and violin. Introductions and innovations in musical scales, harmony and notation enabled development of opera in much modern European classical music. The music geniuses are to play an essential role in recognition of Italian national identity,” the envoy said.He said, “Let me express my thanks to HE Salah bin Ghanem al-Ali, Minister of Culture and Sports, for his continuous support to the initiatives of the Italian embassy. I would also like to thank Qatar National Theatre for hosting this event.”Talking to Community, the ambassador said, “We have chosen Qatar National Theatre because this place somehow pays tribute to Qatari culture and heritage. We wanted to merge the young Italian artistes with old Qatari culture. That is why we have brought the young talent to this traditional Qatari theatre.”He added, “We give a lot of importance to the young talent both in Italy and Qatar. We are trying to underline that how important art and culture is for the younger generations. They will understand their cultural roots and traditions.”Cesare Mancini, Assistant of Artistic Director of the Academia Musicale Chigiana of Siena, said, “It is a one of the most ancient and prestigious musical academy in the world. The academy was founded in 1932 by a noble man. The founder was very fond of classical music and opened the academy for the best music students from the world. We organise music masterclasses in summer. We offer about 20 different courses attended by some 250 students.”About the quartet, he said, “They all are string instrument players. They have brilliant international career. They are performing in Qatar for the first time. We have been here for two days and we visited Souq Waqif and Museum of Islamic Art. We are thankful the Italian embassy for providing us the opportunity. I see Qatar as a beautiful and well-planned country.”