A special concert titled “The Muses of Puccini” was held at the National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre of Ukraine named after Shevchenko in Kyiv, showcasing the works of the Italian composer Giacomo Puccini.
The Italian Embassy in Ukraine reported this.
The concert was supported by the Italian diplomatic mission and the Italian Cultural Institute. It highlighted the value of the outstanding Italian composer’s creative legacy before a large audience that included distinguished guests, government officials, representatives of institutions, and the diplomatic corps accredited in Ukraine.
“We conceived this concert as a cultural bridge between Italy and Ukraine, between two peoples who believe in beauty as a force of resilience and revival. That is why we wanted to hold it despite the difficult situation in the capital, where air raids continue,” said Ambassador Carlo Formosa during the opening ceremony alongside Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications Mykola Tochytsky.
“At a time when Ukraine continues to defend its right to exist, to freedom, to preserve its identity, music can also be a form of resistance. Italy will continue to stand by Ukraine through concrete support not only in political, economic, and military areas but also through music, culture, and a commitment to maintaining an ongoing artistic dialogue between our peoples,” the diplomat added.
The performance featured soloists of the theatre accompanied by a choir and symphony orchestra under the direction of Maestro Mykola Dyadyura. The Italian Embassy noted that the program included arias and duets from Giacomo Puccini’s operas, many of which were performed for the first time at the National Opera of Ukraine: La Bohème, Il Tabarro, La Fanciulla del West, La Rondine, Suor Angelica, Le Villi, Tosca, and others.
