The Italian Cultural Institute of Madrid hosted the opening of the 2023 opera and symphonic season of the Arena di Verona. The event saw many participants, such as, among others, Ambassador Riccardo Guariglia, the Superintendent and Artistic Director Cecilia Gasdia, and the ENIT CEO Ivana Jelinic.
Promoted by ENIT and sponsored by the Embassy, the event – held in the presence of journalists, experts, and opera lovers – was intended to promote the Arena rich programme also in Spain, upon the celebration of its 100th anniversary.
In his speech, Ambassador Guariglia recalled the opening organised in Teatro alla Scala of Milan last September and stressed “cultural diplomacy’s significant role as a privileged instrument to foster dialogue between Italy and Spain. Our Country – continued the Ambassador – is at the forefront in promoting its cultural soft power: a field in which the Arena represents excellence recognised and appreciated worldwide.”
The Ambassador also mentioned the great Spanish artists who performed in the Arena, from the soprano Montserrat Caballé to the tenor Placido Domingo to the dancer and choreographer Antonio Gades. They provide an “illustrious testimony of the deep love for arts and culture at the core of the increasingly close relations between Italy and Spain.”