*** ----> Bahrain celebrates Giacomo Puccini | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Bahrain celebrates Giacomo Puccini

TDT | Manama  

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Zainab Zaman

Bahrain on Tuesday paid homage to one of the greatest proponents of Italian opera, Giacomo Puccini, in a special tribute held at the Bahrain National Theatre.

The commemorative event, organised by the Italian Embassy and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) as part of the Spring of Culture Festival, showcased timeless symphonies to mark the 100th anniversary of Puccini’s passing.

The evening featured a mesmerising performance by acclaimed soprano Desirée Rancatore and tenor Davide Tuscano, accompanied by Maestro Jacopo Salvatori on piano and violinists from the Massimo Youth Orchestra Ensemble. Together, they transported the audience on an emotional journey, weaving tales of love, pain, suffering, passion, and courage through Puccini’s masterpieces.

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The Italian Ambassador to Bahrain, H.E. Paola Amadei, who announced her departure from her role during the event, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate Puccini’s legacy in the Kingdom.

The performance served as a poignant farewell for H.E. Amadei, who has been a key figure in fostering cultural exchange between Italy and Bahrain since her appointment in January 2020. Rancatore, reflecting on her own journey as an Italian opera singer, expressed hope that her performance resonated with the Bahraini audience.

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“Puccini’s music is timeless, filled with love and passion, which transcends language barriers,” she remarked. Tuscano echoed her sentiments, emphasising the universality of music as a means of connecting with audiences across cultures.

Among the attendees was Reema Alshawi, who was deeply moved by a previous tribute to Puccini she witnessed in Prague. “I’m very proud to have this play seen in Bahrain,” she remarked, highlighting the significance of bringing such cultural experiences to the Kingdom.

Giacomo Puccini, renowned for his enduring contributions to the art of Italian opera, left an indelible mark on musical history with classics such as La Bohème, Tosca, Turandot, and Madama Butterfly. Through this tribute, the audience in Bahrain gained a deeper appreciation for the richness and beauty of traditional Italian opera, reaffirming Puccini’s status as a luminary in the world of music.