JEDDAH — The consul general of Italy welcomed a crowd of art enthusiasts, dignitaries, counselors and media personalities to the second event of the 14th edition of the “Week of the Italian Language in the World” in Jeddah last week. The evening was dedicated to Expo Milan 2015, with a live opera performance and exhibition about the literary locations of Milan. Announcing his departure to a disappointed crowd during his speech, Simone Petroni discussed the last four years he led the mission in Jeddah. “As I am preparing myself to go back home at the end of this year, my heartfelt thanks goes to all the people who encouraged and supported us, and I am particularly grateful to the staff of the Consulate General of Italy, as they always gave their best effort and worked as hard as they could, in a true team spirit, in order to work for the future of the relations between our friendly countries.” Petroni said Expo Milano 2015 is dedicated to the theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life”, and will represent a world-level unrepeatable event that will provide visitors the opportunity to participate in a global laboratory to imagine and build a new and better world. The event celebrated the Week of the Italian Language with the promotion of the Universal Exposition that will be held in Milan from May 1 to Oct. 31 next year. Petroni said: “The exhibition takes inspiration from characters, events and places in Milan which highlight a specific aspect of the fundamental relation between the city and the world of books. “But obviously when we think about the city of Milan, we cannot avoid thinking about La Scala, the world-renowned opera house. For all the duration of the Expo, and for the first time in its history, the Scala will be open continuously from May 1 until Oct. 31. “As one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the country, the ‘Teatro alla Scala' will make its contribution to what is to be such a great event for both Milan and Italy. “So for many people from all over the world this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit La Scala.” The event witnessed a performance celebrating the tradition of Italian opera and Bel Canto. Petroni reminded the crowd that opera was born in Italy in the first half of the 17th century and since its origins, with few exceptions, it has not spoken other language except Italian. Calling Maestro Paolo Andreoli on the piano; Elisa Maffi, soprano; Davide la Verde, tenor; Riccardo Ferrari, basso on stage, Petroni said: “So we are particularly glad to welcome in Jeddah a group of talented musicians and artists who came from Italy especially for this occasion. “The program they will perform tonight is titled ‘Va pensiero, atmosfere e suggestioni italiane'. “They will delight us with some of the most beautiful and famous opera arias.” And delighted the audience was. In an emotionally charged performance by the artists, Jeddah witnessed a unique experience under the stars. A few days before on Oct. 26, Petroni had launched the first event in Jeddah. He said the Italian Embassy and Consulate were strongly committed to forging ties with local universities and cultural institutions, with a view to strengthening cultural cooperation between the two countries and to help the Saudi public appreciate the huge cultural heritage of Italy. “Every year a particular subject is selected as the focus of the various events taking place in every part of the world under the banner of the ‘Week of the Italian Language in the World', and the theme for this year's edition is ‘Writing the New Europe: Italian Publishers, Authors and Readers in the Digital Era'. “The idea is to enhance the role of the book in its many connotations, in the development of the concept of Europe as a tool for the dissemination of culture and civilization.” He went on to discuss “The Adventures of Pinocchio” by Carlo Lorenzini, known as Collodi, a classic of children's literature that inspired millions of children in Italy, Europe and elsewhere, and has spawned hundreds of editions, stage plays, merchandising, movies and even commonplace ideas, such as a liar's long nose. Petroni said the novel has been adapted in more than 240 languages worldwide, which makes it the most translated Italian book and eventually the most read non-religious book of all times. “The book highlights, in particular, a dualism between individualism and freedom on the one hand, and conformity and obedience on the other, that can also be explained referring to the complex period of Italian history in which Collodi lived, when there was a great push toward nation building, and the formation of Italian citizens with shared values became a crucial issue. “So in order to make ‘the Italian people Italian', the need of shaping individuals into citizens was strongly felt.”
