Not just the art of the violin. Cremona signs new collaborations also for Italian Opera Singing. On behalf of ATIT (Associazione Teatri Italiani di Tradizione), already a promoting member of the “Committee for the protection of the art of Italian opera singing”, the Teatro Ponchielli Foundation of Cremona will become the beneficiary of Law 77, “Special measures for the protection and fruition in favor of UNESCO Sites and Elements”, in synergy with the aforementioned Committee, i.e. the reference body of the vast reference community. The objective is to work together to present and implement projects for the protection of the art of Italian opera singing, the practice of which was included in the representative list of UNESCO’s intangible heritage on 6 December 2023.
“The traditional violin making know-how of Cremona” and “The practice of opera singing in Italy”, two great UNESCO heritage sites, will therefore find in the city of Cremona the ideal place for a virtuous dialogue between two intangible elements of musical culture which, put into close geographical connection between them, make the city an international symbol of the fruitful meeting between the arts
«This is extraordinary news – comments Andrea Cigni, Superintendent of the Ponchielli Theatre, – which is added to that of the recognition of absolute international prestige for the Monteverdi Festival. I am happy first of all for opera singing and for all Italian opera, which make our culture and our music famous throughout the world. I am happy that Cremona was chosen, home of Claudio Monteverdi, father of opera. It is here that research, study, tradition, protection and dissemination of two great artistic forms such as opera singing and violin making know-how, the fruit of human genius, find a common home and dialogue with each other, addressing the world. We will be at the service of the Committee and the Ministry of Culture for the construction of the path that this precious organism will have to follow from now on, ideally offering Cremona a home for all the lyrical artists of the world, to whom we owe so much for the diffusion of this wonderful art.»
«I am deeply moved and happy for Cremona, and grateful to Atit and the Committee for this choice – comments the Mayor of Cremona and President of the Ponchielli Theater Foundation Gianluca Galimberti. – In the recent conference in Cremona on the topic of intangible heritage with Liborio Stellino, Permanent Representative of Italy to UNESCO, we recalled how Cremona is a unique city in the world: home of Stradivari and Monteverdi! Home of the intangible heritage of violin making. Now alongside, thanks to the Ponchielli Theatre, the intangible heritage of opera singing. There is an inseparable link between the two heritages. Because the human singing of a solo voice and the sound of a solo violin, from Monteverdi’s works onwards, tell the same intense, painful or joyful, humanity. We are living the gifts we have received with responsibility, as well as with great projects and investments. A special thank you to the Theater and its Superintendent for starting this journey, and a big thank you to all the people of Cremona who know how to rejoice and be moved by this show that the culture of music and singing tells to the world. Cremona is truly an extraordinary city.»
