On December 1, at the invitation of Carlo Formosa, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Italian Republic to Ukraine, Mykola Tochytskyi, the Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, attended a special premiere at the National Opera of Ukraine.
The performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Il Trovatore” was conducted by the esteemed Italian maestro Stefano Torboli and featured the renowned Italian tenor Francesco Congiu.
“This event showcases the enduring and fruitful collaboration between two nations of artistic excellence – Ukraine and Italy,” said Mykola Tochytskyi.
The Minister expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Italian Republic to Ukraine for his unwavering support and emphasized the vital role of cultural diplomacy in fostering international partnerships.
The project marked another milestone in the successful cooperation between the National Opera of Ukraine, the Italian Embassy in Ukraine, and the Italian Cultural Institute.
“The choice of Verdi’s ‘Il Trovatore’ for this evening is deeply symbolic. Verdi’s opera weaves a tale of passion, deception, struggle, and above all, resilience. Its characters live in a world of conflict and misunderstanding, yet each fights steadfastly for their beliefs – for love, justice, and freedom. This story resonates profoundly with Ukraine’s current journey as it bravely defends its independence, identity, and values. Italy stands firmly with Ukraine in this fight, offering political, military, humanitarian, and cultural support- but most importantly, with its heart,” noted Carlo Formosa.
The libretto, crafted by Salvadore Cammarano and inspired by Antonio García Gutiérrez’s drama, transported the audience into the emotionally charged world of classic Italian artistry.
The evening was a pivotal moment in deepening cultural ties between Ukraine and Italy, highlighting the essential role of international cultural cooperation, even amidst the challenges of wartime.
