Cultural manifestation “Days of Italy” was solemnly opened at Madlena Art Palace at 7 p.m. on Saturday, 24 may, to include a versatile cultural and artistic programme which lasted for the following three evenings. The Republic of Italy is well-known for its top-quality artists from different periods, as well as for its long history and rich tradition. On the first evening, celebrating the city of Naples which is marking 25 centuries of its existence this year, an opus of famous Neapolitan songs was performed by vocal soloist, professor Pina Porzio. The concert featured the most beautiful songs from the region of Napoli. The first of them was composed as early as in 13 century – Jesce Sole (The Sun is Rising), while in the course of the performance it was possible to hear the world-famous canzones such as Toma a Surriento, Tu Vuo Fa L’Americano, O sole Mio…
The opening was attended by the diplomatic corps, renowned public personas, and numerous citizens, lovers of traditional Italian music. The guests were welcomed with the speeches by Mr Filip Zepter, founder and president of Zepter International corporation, Zorica Rakić, director of Madlena Art Palace, His excellency ambassador Luca Gori, and Mrs Pina Porzio, who delivered a short lecture on the city of Napoli, it cultural and artistic heritage, and its deep-rooted traditions.
This year’s “Days of Italy” were aimed at promoting art, culture, and cultural heritage of the Republic of Italy, while implementation of the programme was assisted by Mrs Madlena and Mr Filip Zepter, the greatest philanthropists and art patrons of the modern time, Italian Embassy, and Italian Cultural Centre in Belgrade.
