Istanbul - The Grand Music Festival is arriving in Istanbul thanks to CIDIM (Italian National Committee for Music) and the Italian Cultural Institute, featuring a special concert on Friday, June 21 at 7 PM at the Institute's Theater at Casa d'Italia. Representing Italian talent will be baritone Gianandrea Navacchia, soprano Fiorenza Mercatali, and Francesco De Poli on piano, presenting a diverse program that includes works by Donizetti, Verdi, Mozart, Ponchielli, and paying special homage to the great Giacomo Puccini on the centenary of his death, celebrated worldwide.

"The concert is part of the Young Italian Musical Talents in the World project, which, through synergy and collaboration with the Chigiana Academy and the 'Encounters with the Maestro' International Academy Foundation in Imola, showcases the finest young artists from the Italian musical scene on the most prestigious stages in Italy and worldwide. For us, maintaining strong ties with Italian Cultural Institutes globally, such as in Istanbul, is crucial in providing talented artists with opportunities to showcase their abilities and undeniable talent," explains Francescantonio Pollice, Vice President of CIDIM and President of AIAM (Italian Association of Musical Activities).

"Italian opera singing was recognized last year on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The Italian Cultural Institute in Istanbul aims to highlight this heritage through events like the Music Festival and the centenary tribute to Puccini, underscoring Italian opera's enduring excellence and offering our theater audience the voices and music interpreted by these three young and gifted artists. Our ongoing collaboration with CIDIM allows us once again to present a compelling example of Italian cultural richness to the diverse audience of Istanbul," concludes Salvatore Schirmo, director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Istanbul.