The timeless beauty of Italian opera echoed through the Shaikh Ebrahim Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research in Muharraq, where the Embassy of Italy in Manama hosted a spectacular evening titled “L’italiano all’Opera.”
Held in collaboration with the Shaikh Ebrahim Center, the concert marked the 25th edition of the Week of the Italian Language in the World (SLIM) — a global celebration of the Italian language and its cultural influence. This year’s event also honored Italian opera singing, officially recognized in 2023 by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (Read more about the recognition on the Smithsonian magazine)
A Night of Opera Excellence
The audience was treated to an exquisite performance by soprano Cristiana Arcari and pianist Andrea Vigna-Taglianti, who guided listeners through a musical journey across centuries of Italian opera — from its Baroque beginnings to Romantic masterpieces and contemporary classics. Their repertoire featured works by Vivaldi, Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, Verdi, Puccini, and Tosti, concluding with a moving tribute to the legendary Ennio Morricone.
The Artists
Cristiana Arcari, a refined soprano known for her expressive range, is a graduate of La Sapienza University in Rome with further studies at the Mozarteum in Salzburg and the Refice Conservatory in Frosinone. She has performed under the direction of renowned conductors including Michele Mariotti and Fabio Biondi, gracing stages such as Teatro Regio in Turin, La Fenice in Venice, and the Monte Carlo Opera.
Her collaborator for the evening, Andrea Vigna-Taglianti, is a celebrated pianist and professor at the “G.F. Ghedini” Conservatory in Cuneo. A graduate with honors from the “G. Cantelli” Conservatory in Novara, his career spans performances across Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. His teaching experience includes roles at the International Music Institute in Abu Dhabi, the American Liszt Society in Boston, and the Edward Said National Conservatory in Jerusalem.
Rising Talent
Adding a touch of youthful brilliance to the evening was Alessandro Savastano, a young Italian tenor and student at St. Christopher’s School in Bahrain. A member of the ensemble that won first prize at the Gulf Young Musicians competition, Savastano has also been recognized as a soloist in international contests held in Abu Dhabi and Qatar.
Bridging Cultures Through Music
Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Andrea Catalano, Ambassador of Italy to Bahrain, highlighted the event’s broader significance:
“The Embassy’s cultural initiatives always aim to foster a genuine exchange between Italian and Bahraini traditions. Through L’italiano all’Opera, part of the 25th SLIM edition themed ‘Italophony: Language Beyond Borders,’ we celebrate the universal resonance of the Italian language — a bridge that connects people, cultures, and passions across the world.”
The evening stood as a testament to the enduring partnership between Bahrain and Italy — two nations linked by their deep appreciation for culture, art, and the universal language of music.
