The Italian embassy in Doha, in co-operation with Qatar National Library and Società Dante Alighieri, will hold an array of events and activities in Doha from October 21 to 27 to mark the “Week of the Italian Language in the World”.
The initiative, under the patronage of the president of Italy, is supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation aimed at promoting the study and dissemination of the Italian language overseas.
“We are very proud of the partnership with Qatar National Library and Società Dante Alighieri, which has enabled the organisation of initiatives connected to the theme ‘The Italian language on stage’, aimed at exploring the connections between our language and opera, drama, music and literature,” Italian ambassador Pasquale Salzano said in a press statement.
He noted that the week-long celebration in Qatar will focus on Italian opera and its most famous composers with two special events.
The envoy said they have invited renowned Italian pianist, conductor, musicologist and journalist Maestro Adriano Bassi to conduct a lecture on the evolution of Italian opera and perform on the piano some opera arias by Italian composers Bellini, Mascagni, Puccini and Verdi on October 21 at QNL.
The event, Salzano stressed, is “a very special way to discover the history of Italian operatic traditions through stories and curiosities on the protagonists”.
In co-operation with Katara – the Cultural Village, he said the embassy is also organising a concert by Teatro dell’Opera di Roma on October 22 at the Katara Opera House.
“The talented artists Erika Beretti (soprano), Irida Dragoti (mezzosoprano) and Edina Bak (pianist) – participants of the Fabbrica Young Artist Programme of Teatro dell’Opera di Roma – will perform a selection of opera arias by the Italian composers Bellini, Mascagni, Puccini and Verdi,” Salzano said.
A variety of entertainment activities for adults, children, and families who are interested in learning the basics of the Italian language and discovering the Italian culture will also take place at Qatar National Library between October 21 and 26, he added.
“The Italian Language Week in Qatar is our key language-promotion event. A result achieved thanks to the growing involvement of the Italian community, Società Dante Alighieri and local cultural institutions, who have all contributed to create an intense intercultural dialogue between Italy and Qatar,” Salzano said.
The embassy noted that those who want to register and attend in these activities and events can visit the website of the embassy, QNL, and Katara.
Italian ambassador Pasquale Salzano
