Rome, December 21 – The Italian Senate hosted its traditional Christmas concert today at Palazzo Madama, featuring renowned singer Claudio Baglioni alongside the esteemed chorus and orchestra of the San Carlo Theatre of Naples. The event was presided over by Senate President Ignazio La Russa, who welcomed President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, greeted with a prolonged ovation upon his arrival, and Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Lorenzo Fontana.
Baglioni’s Performance and Gratitude
Claudio Baglioni opened his performance with an instrumental rendition of his hit song “Strada facendo,” accompanied by the San Carlo Orchestra. Expressing his gratitude for the invitation, Baglioni stated, “To say thank you, there is only thank you. So, thank you for this privilege to be here and to be able to participate in the festivities in this magnificent hall, and thanks to the President of the Senate and to the senators.” He then introduced another of his successes, “Avrai,” explaining, “It’s a song I wrote for a child, therefore from a father to a son, and that son is now a father himself.”
Music as a Unifying Force
Reflecting on the collaboration with the San Carlo Orchestra, Baglioni concluded, “We have moved from a great theater (the Neapolitan one) to the largest theater where we are, which ideally contains all Italians in this magnificent Senate hall to make music together. Music, which is one of the most beautiful and lasting dreams ever dreamt by men and women, because it is the daughter and mother of dreams in an endless crescendo that never ceases to move.”
La Russa’s Dedication to Naples and Families
During the event, Ignazio La Russa presented Baglioni with the Senate’s bell, humorously suggesting he could “use it to bring order to Italian music.” In his address, La Russa also took the opportunity to remember “persecuted Christians and families, the true heroes of today.” A special mention was made to the city of Naples. “Today marks the 2,500th anniversary of its foundation, and we could not but invite the San Carlo Theatre, with its orchestra and chorus, which is a symbol of Naples.”
Acknowledging San Carlo’s Leadership
La Russa also presented the traditional bell to Fulvio Macciardi, superintendent of the San Carlo Theatre. “This way, he can also bring order to the orchestra whenever he wants,” La Russa quipped to Macciardi. The second highest-ranking official in the state also extended his thanks to Mayor Gaetano Manfredi, who was present in the Chamber.
The concert, a blend of musical artistry and institutional recognition, underscored the cultural significance of Naples and its historic San Carlo Theatre, bringing together prominent figures in Italian politics and culture for a festive celebration.
Source: https://napoli.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/25_dicembre_21/concerto-di-natale-al-senato-con-baglioni-e-l-orchestra-del-san-carlo-la-russa-una-dedica-a-napoli-które-celebra-2-500-anni-abd9ce49-0917-4a44-bec0-0932d100cxlk.shtml
