"The biggest mistake being made in the world today in interpreting Italian opera? The lack of knowledge of style. And without this knowledge, opera becomes a parody of Italianness": this was told to Corriere della Sera by Maestro Riccardo Muti, who, precisely in order to transmit to young people and perpetuate the treasure of Italian musical culture, is relaunching his fifteenth "Italian Opera Academy" these days in Milan, in the spaces of the Prada Foundation. Together a school of advanced training for conductors and collaborating masters (eight selected, out of more than three hundred applications) and a precious agora for the entire public, who can attend twelve days of rehearsals, this year focused on Vincenzo Bellini's "Norma"; and a double performance of the opera, first with the young conductors, then, on November 29, with Muti himself on the podium. Miuccia Prada, President and Director of the Prada Foundation, says: "The collaboration with Riccardo Muti and his Academy affirms the centrality of teaching and the transmission of knowledge between different generations". The first lecture-concert (packed to the rafters, with two very intense hours and lots of standing ovations) featured a very fit and almost affectionate Muti on stage. Especially with his "Cherubini" Orchestra, which is turning 20: "These young people are our future".