The Italian lawmakers and Government in Rome will be able to commemorate the second year since Russia's invasion of Ukraine with an exceptional event: a concert by the orchestra of the Odessa Opera Theatre in the Hemicycle of the Italian Parliament, on February 22, at 4 p.m.

The 50-piece orchestra of the most beautiful opera house in Ukraine will travel at night through Moldova to reach Rome by plane and play a few hours after arrival. This too is the sign of a combative people, willing to make sacrifices, not only on the battlefield, but also in theatres and concert halls.

This event was promoted by the Promotional Committee of the Puccini Celebrations, chaired by Maestro Alberto Veronesi. In fact, the orchestra will play pieces from Puccini's operas, together with some pieces by Ukrainian authors. The event is organised by the Opera Production company, a very active music agency in Ukraine.

This feat would not have been possible without the financial contribution of the Italian Honorary Consul in Odessa, Vladyslav Shtamburg. The new Consulate was inaugurated just six months ago, at the beginning of September 2023. An Italian diplomatic representation has been missing in the strategic Black Sea city since World War II.

From the right: Oleg Kiper (Head of Odessa Regional Administration), Pier Francesco Zazo (Ambassador of Italy to Kyiv), Vladyslav Shtamburg (Honorary Consul of Italy in Odessa) 

The Italian Embassy in Kyiv and the Italian Cultural Institute granted patronage to the event.

The trip of the Odessa orchestra takes on an even more significant significance if we consider that Italian opera music in Odessa is still dominant in the Theatre playbill. So, the operas of Verdi, Puccini, Rossini, Bellini and Donizetti are the usual repertoire of Odessa musicians and singers.

The tragedy of the war brought Odessa back into the limelight, the legendary port city of the Black Sea, which was the destination of many Italian emigrants in search of adventure and economic success. Today, thanks to music, Odessa is once again reconnecting its historical ties with Italy.