We won’t talk about monuments or countries; we want to leave time to our collaborator Erika to expose her sad remarks.

I chose to live in Busseto also on my mother’s accounts: her grandfather was Verdi’s gardener and the rest of the family was part of the Verdi’s servants. Her grandmother got married wearing the bride veil given by Barberina Strepponi (Verdi’s sister-in-law) and the family home was bought also thanks to the Verdi’s legacy.
Then on my part, in addition to the admiration for the Genius, there has always been a closer feeling, quite an intimacy.
I’ve always thought that when a town has the fortune of giving birth to a genius, the next generations could somehow enjoy his light.
I took part in some event with expectation, quite thinking that the feel of Busseto could raise the charm even when the general level wasn’t excellent.
So, long story short, avoiding other remarks, I should say that “bleakness” is the most appropriate word for the crescendo that reached its climax in the performance of the Aida: about 30 spectators at the theatre!!!
It is quite clear that something did not work.
I don’t know the associations, the various organizations which arrange the events, it doesn’t matter. I know that the artists, who came from far away, will not bring back with them a positive opinion about our capacity of reception and respect for those who are however our guests.
Maybe I’m a dreamer, but I think it is a must systematizing cooperation: under a careful direction, regardless of political positions and personal envies, everybody has to concur to the common good and to the development of our Country and this has to be made starting from the enhancement of our artistic and cultural heritages.
I’m nobody, but I venture to suggest that it would be useful a meeting among all the people concerned… at least they could begin to make a few considerations.

Erika C