Days of Georgian Culture in Pesaro, Italy
Having gone through distressing wars and devastated by the loss of so many territories, painfully squeezed between Russian autocracy and Western democracy, distraught with current hardships and troubled by its fuzzy future, Georgia is still trying its affordable best to amuse the world, and is doing its share of good with the help of its vibrant talent and elevated art.
Between April 11 and 18, the Days of Georgian Culture were held in Pesaro, Italy in Gioacchino Rossini’s hometown. The event was organized by the Embassy of Georgia in Italy, the Renata Tebaldi & Mario Del Monaco International Academy of Operatic Singing, and the City Administration of Pesaro and dedicated to the centenary of the first Democratic Republic of Georgia.
The festivities were opened by a week-long and widely attended exhibition of works by Georgian artists and sculptors. One of the highlights was a traditional folkloric music concert from Tusheti and a photo exhibit and documentaries depicting the Tusheti customs and traditions. The Italian guests were also lucky enough to taste indigenous produce from this beautiful mountainous region of Georgia. One of the latest Georgian feature films ‘Tangerines’ was also screened very successfully.
During the Culture Days, the Georgian Ambassador to Italy, Kakha Sikharulidze, had meaningful meetings with Pesaro City Hall and staff members as well as the president of the local Chamber of Industry, Alberto Drudi, as a result of which soon the delegation of business circles of the Marche Region will visit Georgia with the purpose of deepening business relations between Georgia and Italy, and planning for the future. He also met with the prefect of Pesaro, Carla Cincarilli, the president of the City Cultural Committee, Ilaro Barbanti, and director general of the Confindustria Marche Nord, Dr. Salvatore Giordano.
The Days culminated in a gala concert at Rossini Opera House with the participation of world renowned operatic singers soprano Nino Surguladze, soprano Nino Lezhava, baritone Sulkhan Gvelesiani, and tenor Otar Jorjikia, all accompanied by pianist Eka Metreveli (incidentally, the spouse of Ambassador Sikharulidze).
During the reception, the guests had a chance to taste the wonderful Georgian wine produced by the famous Winery Khareba. Last year, the Days of Italian Culture were held in Batumi, which has now been reciprocated by Georgians in Italy.
As a matter of fact, the heart and soul of the entire event in both countries were the sisters Lezhava – Nino and Leeka. Several years ago, soprano Nino Lezhava was selected by the late Maestro Mario Melani as his heiress and substitute in the Pesaro Academy. Leeka Lezhava has from the very first days worked in the Academy as the administrative assistant to her sister, in fact, organizing every piece of work in the wide-spread activity of this renowned European school for vocal training. Not many years have passed since those amazing sisters from Georgia deservedly took in their caring hands the complicated process of running the Academy. They have so far managed very well, and their blueprint for the future looks quite promising too.
By Nugzar B. Ruhadze