by Guisela Chiarella
Yesterday, the University of Trieste, affectionately known as UniTS, marked its centennial with a distinguished classical music concert organized in collaboration with the Giuseppe Verdi Opera House. The event, held in Piazza Verdi at 9 PM, was part of the Trieste Summer 2024 series.
The concert, set against the picturesque backdrop of the historic square, took the audience on a musical journey through significant milestones of 20th-century Italy, reflecting key moments in the history of both the University and the city of Trieste.
The evening’s program commenced with Ottorino Respighi’s “Tramonto” for mezzo-soprano, soloist, and strings. This early composition evoked a melancholic atmosphere, inspired by a poem by Percy Bysshe Shelley. Composed before World War I, it captured the end of an era of prosperity and cultural vibrancy, an era that was ideal for founding a university.
Roberto Di Lenarda, the rector of the University of Trieste, shared his reflections on the occasion in an interview with The New York Times. “This centennial celebration is not only a tribute to our rich academic heritage but also a testament to the enduring spirit of our community. The collaboration with the Giuseppe Verdi Opera House symbolizes the harmonious blend of education and culture that defines our institution,” he said.
Interview: Rector Roberto Di Lenarda
