A whole week of Italian fare
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A still from the film La Pazza Gioia
It’s Italian Week in Colombo from June 4-8, showcasing the richness of Italian culture in its many forms from design to cinema, to fashion and music.
Italian Week is presented by the Italian Embassy in Sri Lanka and artists from Italy are being flown down to share their talents with audiences here, celebrating the long standing ties between the two countries.
The internationally renowned conductor Maestro Jacopo Sipari di Pescasseroli, will conduct ‘Homage to Great Italian Opera’ with the “first instruments” of the Festival Internazionale di Mezza Estate and soprano Silvana Froli, sharing the stage with the National Unity Orchestra of Sri Lanka and the De Lanerolle Brothers on Wednesday, June 6.
The concert at the Nelum Pokuna is presented free and those interested in attending are requested to obtain their invitations by registering with the Italian Embassy: https://www.eventbrite.com/l/registration-online/
Those who enjoy art and design should make their way to the exhibition of ‘Iconic Italian Design’ which will be on June 8 and 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m at the Academy of Design ( AOD), 29, Lauries Road, Colombo 4.
Italian design is world renowned for its simplicity, refinement and originality as seen in iconic brands such as Ferrari, Fiat 500 and Vespa in the world of motoring and in décor with brands like Smeg, Natuzzi, Alessi, Fornasetti, Olivetti and Bioletti blazing a trail.
Fashion brands like Prada, Gucci and Benetton are sought after the world over. This exhibition highlights the design inspiration that surfaced in Italy throughout the 20th and 21st Century.
Film fans are not forgotten as Italian cinema’s contribution to culture is showcased at Italian Week through the screening of the film La Pazza Gioia directed by Paolo Virzi on Friday, June 8 at 7.15 p.m. at the Empire Cineplex, Independence Arcade, Colombo 7.
The film set in the idyllic Tuscan countryside tells the story of the unlikely friendship between two women and their moving journey of self-discovery.
The second edition of the Italy-Sri Lanka Film Festival to be held in October will also be announced. The festival will include a contest for short film for local and Italian film producers.
Italian Week is sponsored by Cargills.