Italian language takes centre stage

A lecture on the evolution of Italian opera by renowned Italian conductor and concert performer, Maestro Adriano Bassi, marked the opening of the 19th edition of the Week of the Italian Language in the World at the Qatar National Library on Monday.
Titled Evolution of Italian opera between 1800 and 1900: convergences and contrasts, Bassi’s talk focused on the development of the Italian opera in the last two centuries and Italy’s renowned composers.
The celebrated pianist and journalist also enthralled the audience with his piano performance, playing some opera arias by Italian composers Bellini, Mascagni, Puccini, and Verdi.
“This evening’s first initiative is dedicated to the Italian opera which has greatly contributed to the dissemination of the Italian Language in the world,” said Filippo Perzolla, second secretary and head of the cultural section of the embassy of Italy in Doha in his speech. “I am particularly pleased to welcome Maestro Adriano Bassi, pianist, conductor, musicologist and journalist, but above all a passionate expert in operatic traditions.”
He noted that the theme this year, The Italian language on stage, aims to explore “how the Italian Language has contributed to the development of performing arts such as music and drama, but also the new ‘emerging stages’ where the Italian culture can find expression nowadays”.
Perzolla said the celebration in Doha features “a special programme of events, which is open to adults, children and families – to everyone wishing to learn the basics of the Italian language, as well as to the Italian community based in Doha”.
He added that many activities, for instance, focus on the Italian cuisine and chefs who are frequently the protagonists of live cooking shows.
“Other initiatives will be dedicated to our breathtaking monuments and landscapes – sorts of theatres created either by nature or human genius, which can offer a unique “stage” for artistic performances,” Perzolla said. “Our aim is to provide a comprehensive programme to allow people to approach our language in an interactive way.”
Teatro dell’Opera di Roma and the talents of the “Young Artist Programme” – the soprano Erika Beretti, the mezzo-soprano Irida Dragoti and the pianist Edina Bak – also performed yesterday at Katara – the Cultural Village.
It is a selection of arias composed by Verdi, Puccini, Mascagni and Bellini.
“In co-operation with these and other outstanding institutions, the Italian embassy has organised a new season full of cultural events,” Perzolla said.
The celebration, organised by the Italian embassy in Doha, in co-operation with Qatar National Library and Società Dante Alighieri, will run until October 27.
Perzolla underscored the importance of cultural exchanges, which contribute “to build a fertile ground to strengthen the relations between Italy and Qatar”.
“Our countries are engaged in important bilateral projects, united by the common wish to explore new fields of co-operation and deepen our mutual knowledge. In this process, culture represents an important tool to make our friendship even more solid and enduring,” he said. –