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The Wings of Love – WMBD Benefit Concert in Bologna
Bonn/Bologna, 19 May 2017 – there was standing room only in the Cappella Farnese in Bologna’s medieval Palazzo d’Accursio for the fifth annual Benefit Concert held as part of the celebration of World Migratory Bird Day.
The magnificent setting of the chapel with its 16th century frescos by Prospero Fontana was just the entrée in what proved to be a feast for the senses, as the Corale Lirica San Rocco enthralled an enthusiastic audience with a repertoire covering arias from Verdi’s Macbeth and Oberto Conte di San Bonifacio, Ponchielli’s La Gioconda and Donizetti’s Elisir d’Amore and Lucia di Lammermoor.
Added to the programme as a surprise finale was Inneggiamo from Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana, much to the delight of CMS Executive Secretary Bradnee Chambers.
“The Corale Lirica San Rocco’s benefit concert has become an established part of the WMBD programme – and their superlative performances never cease to amaze me. Mascagni’s Inneggiamo is a personal favourite of mine. Grazie mille to everyone that helped make this concert such a resounding success and particularly Conductor Marialuce Monari, President Francesca Frascari, and the event’s patrons: the Ministry, the Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) and the City of Bologna.”
Fernando Spina, better known in CMS circles as the Chair of the Scientific Council, sang the tenor lead in the opening aria, but star of the show was undoubtedly soprano, Scilla Cristiano.
Luca Lelli, mayor of the commune of Ozzano dell’Emilia, was among the civic dignitaries in attendance. Donations amounting to nearly €1,000 will be forwarded to a project relevant to the conservation of migratory birds.