reflect a bit 'of Lucca in China On 26 November the exhibition "Puccini and Lucca" was inaugurated at the Municipal Museum of Nanking: the satisfaction of being rewarded me this all the effort I invested in this project.
The ribbon cutting took place in the presence of many officials - including Deputy Mayor Wang Yonghong the Director General of the Department Guangya Chen cultural - as well as numerous local public actors, but especially in the presence of a large and passionate audience. The enthusiasm with which it has been accepted, the exhibition is the true test of success of this mission. I was pleasantly surprised at how the Maestro Puccini is really very popular in China!
The Chinese authorities have offered the opportunity to bring this exhibition to other cities in the country for me is a result beyond expectations and it shows me that I'm working in the right direction to enhance the figure of Giacomo Puccini and his (and our) city. It 'was in fact possible to highlight also at Lucca, its churches, its musical and theatrical activities, the spaces of culture Puccini's now become an attraction for the audience.
During the opening ceremony, I was able to meet the musicians, conductors and producers of dramatic: by all there is great interest in musical exchanges with our city and children to introduce Chinese students to the art of music Italian opera.
What I saw on this trip is a great opportunity for the future of Lucca looking ahead I see a future of shared projects with those who - like our counterparts in Nanjing - wants to make culture an engine of social progress also, tourism and business.
In 2010 we will welcome the Chinese delegation to sign the agreement for cultural cooperation for the next 5 years and, besides the important theme of the walls, we are ready to make major new projects on music, on Puccini and silk.
I am proud to have contributed to this new success for the city of Lucca, with its historical and artistic heritage is becoming - even global - city of culture.