On Friday evening, the focus was on the Arena di Verona for the inauguration of the 101st edition of the Verona Opera Festival, broadcast worldwide by the RAI. A special edition because the Scaliger amphitheatre was hosting “La Grande Opera Italiana Patrimonio dell’Umanità”, an event to celebrate the recognition of Italian opera as an UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.

The highest representatives of the Italian State were present, starting with the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, and numerous members of parliament. The Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta had the honour to sit on the right of President Mattarella, at the invitation of the latter. Fra’ John Dunlap was thus able to enjoy the vast classical opera programme with world-class performers, accompanied by an orchestra of 160 and a choir of 300 artists with the extraordinary participation of Riccardo Muti.

On 23 November last, a delegation of the Sovereign Order of Malta, led by the Grand Master, was received in the Quirinal Palace on an official visit to the President of the Italian Republic. A meeting that highlighted “the excellent and solid ties” that unite Italy and the Order of Malta, and President Mattarella’s great appreciation for the Order’s role in humanitarian diplomacy and interreligious dialogue.

Photo-credit – Paolo Giandotti – Ufficio Stampa per la Stampa e la Comunicazione della Presidenza della Repubblica