MANILA – The Italian Embassy concluded its Italian Republic Day 2024 Celebrations with a live performance featuring the works of Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, known primarily for his operas and regarded as one the greatest and most successful proponent of Italian opera.
Showcasing the talents of St. Scholastica’s College Community Orchestra and choirs Battig Chamber Singers and Kammerchor Manila, under the baton of Conductor Maria Lourdes Hermo, both audience and guests commemorated the centennial death anniversary of Puccini, highlighting Italy’s cultural legacy through music.
Renowned soloists Tenor Ervin Lumauag and Baritone Raymond Leslie Diaz added to the evening’s splendour.
The occasion took place on June 9, 2024 at the historical St. Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila, gathering music enthusiasts and the faithful for a moving Eucharistic Celebration featuring Puccini’s “Messa di Gloria.”
Italian Ambassador to the PH Marco Clemente delivers his opening address at the historical St. Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila, as the Italian Embassy concluded its Italian Republic Day 2024 Celebrations with a live performance featuring the works of Italian composer Giacomo Puccini on June 9, 2024 (Photo courtesy of Italian Embassy in the PH)
In his opening address, Italian Ambassador Marco Clemente noted that the event not only represents a landmark performance in modern Philippine history since Puccini’s era, but holds potential distinction as a pioneering event in Asia and beyond.
Particularly notable is its faithful adherence to the tradition of incorporating the Holy Mass, reminiscent of the esteemed composer's historic era, Clemente added.
In commemorating Giacomo Puccini's centennial death anniversary, the event highlighted Italy's cultural legacy through music, the Italian Embassy said.
While being sorrounded by Manila's historic ambiance, the celebration honoured Italy's National Day, bridging cultures through the universal language of music, the Embassy stated.
