Italian Ambassador H.E. Marco Clemente got the thrill of his life seeing the success of the very first opera he envisioned to show in the poorest district of Manila, Tondo, on Saturday night.

Held at the San Pablo Apostol Parish Multi-Purpose Court, the event was attended by distinguished guests led by Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Italiaccini Centenial anniversary Embassy officials, Ms. Bettina Fernandez of the DAILY TRIBUNE, government officials of the City of Manila and some Italian businessmen who came to see “Gianni Schichi,” which was given life by the internationally famous Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Marlon Chen.

The event was also part of the centennial celebration of Giacomo Puccini, renowned Italian composer of the said opera. Puccini died on 29 November 1924.

A group of Filipino singers gave life to the theme of the opera that revolves around a scheming family who employs the title character to help them falsify their wealthy relative’s will. Gianni Schicchi takes most of the fortune for himself.

Ambassador Clemente told DAILY TRIBUNE that the opera involving classical music has no boundaries dividing rich and poor, and though he may be labeled by some as crazy holding it in an impoverished area of the city, he believes the stories told in such productions has no class distinction.

He said he wanted it held in Tondo so the young generation may experience watching the opera which demonstrates Italy’s rich culture, and it will be historic in the minds and heart ms of young people in Manila.