On 15 February, the Italian Cultural Institute of Nairobi and the Italian Embassy organised an extraordinary cultural event at the Gedi National Monument, recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The concert, titled “Italian Classical Music. Under the Light of Gede Ruins“, was attended by around three hundred spectators and was a great success.
For the first time, the Gede Ruins site, dating back to between the 10th and 17th centuries and a testament to an ancient Arab town, hosted an evening event, with some of the ruins dramatically lit, creating a unique atmosphere and a setting that enhanced the beauty of the performance, in a perfect combination of cultural heritage and musical art.
The Enkare String Quartet, one of Kenya’s most renowned string quartets, presented a high-level musical programme, ranging from the Baroque period works of Salieri and Tartini, to the famous “Four Seasons” by Vivaldi, followed by arias from Puccini and Mascagni, and culminating with soundtracks by Morricone, Rota, and Sartori. This wide-ranging repertoire showcased the versatility and richness of Italian classical music, offering the audience an engaging experience.
The choice of a Kenyan quartet was greatly appreciated, demonstrating how Italian classical music plays a key role in the training of young talents. Cellist Masala Sefu, who studied in Italy with Maestro Fausto Solci, is a concrete example of the quality of Italian musical education, highlighting the importance of cultural exchange between the two countries.
This concert marked an important opportunity for cultural dialogue between Italy and Kenya, emphasising the power of art to connect cultures and strengthening ties between the two countries. The event, which attracted a diverse audience including Kenyans, Italians, and members of the international community, confirmed the success of Italian cultural diplomacy in Kenya, highlighting the fundamental role of cultural events in this field.
