Damascus, SANA–The Italian Embassy in Damascus, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, organized a musical event titled “An Italian Tale Between Cinema and Music” to commemorate the 79th National Day of the Italian Republic. The event was held at the Damascus Opera House.
Syrian musicians, led by Maestro Missak Baghboudarian, harmonized with their Italian counterparts in a high-caliber performance featuring world-famous film soundtracks composed by Italian artists. The repertoire included “Cinema Paradiso” by Ennio Morricone, “Il Postino” by Francesco Canaro, and “The Godfather” by Nino Rota.
In his speech, Italian Chargé d’Affaires in Damascus, Ambassador Stefano Ravagnan, expressed that this event was a tribute to the founding of the Italian Republic and the enduring friendship between Syria and Italy. He remarked that it was a point of pride to see Italian musicians performing alongside Syrian musicians in Damascus after many years.
Ravagnan highlighted that the concert was a tribute to the Syrian people, the arts, and Italian professionals supporting Syria.
He described it as a first step in strengthening cultural cooperation, announcing that a conference on Syrian musical heritage would be held in Rome in December. He emphasized Syria’s renewed openness to international partnerships, fostering stronger relations between Syria, Italy, and the European Union in political, social, and economic development.
He further noted that lifting sanctions would pave the way for economic recovery, benefiting the Syrian people, and stressed the mutual interest of both Syria and Italy in supporting Syria’s economic production, competitiveness, and exports across all sectors.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Culture Ahmad Sawaf affirmed that nations, despite cultural differences, strive for freedom and the abolition of oppression and tyranny. He explained that Italy’s National Day commemorates the 1946 constitutional referendum, in which Italians voted following World War II and the fall of fascism.
Sawaf described the event as a true embodiment of cultural and civilizational exchange, underscoring the Ministry of Culture’s commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding among nations, especially in times of rapid change. He reiterated Syria’s belief that cultural dialogue is among the most noble forms of international communication.
For his part, Maestro Missak Baghboudarian, conductor of the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra, emphasized that the concert reflects a shared humanitarian vision between Syria and Italy. He highlighted music as a universal language and a message of peace, despite difficult circumstances. He also noted Syria’s deep-rooted cultural and historical heritage, dating back thousands of years, with long-standing artistic ties to Italy, both countries sharing rich civilizational legacies and influential artistic movements.
Manar Salameh
