Francesco Capecchi

It is with great satisfaction that I declare the success of the public and critics obtained from the First Edition of Italian Week 2007 or 'Settimana Italiana' 2007 in Brisbane, in celebrating via a series of high level events, Italy, a country admired throughout the world for its inestimable heritage of unique culture. The proposed objective was successfully achieved.

The program was very articulated. The pop/rock group TRIM opened the week. The five talented musicians of the Roman band, performed before an enthusiastic public of young Italians and Australians, attracted by the combination of Italian and English music, songs selected from their original repertoire, classic Italian songs such as “Eppur mi sono scordato di te” by Lucio Battisti and covers of famous international bands including AC/DC, Queen, Robert Plant, Radiohead. They covered songs by Brisbane band Wolfmother. TRIM performed on 3 June at the popular bar and cafe 'La Dolce Vita' during an event rich with entertainment and which showcases Ferrari sports cars, the proceedings went well into the evening.

Following on, the traditional reception which was attended by the local authorities, amongst which was the President of the Parliament Queensland, Myke Reynolds, all the Italian community leaders, many business people and personalities from the cultural world. The emerging Pianist, Wade Gregory, winner of the Pellegrino Scholarship 2006, entertained the guests with compositions by extraordinary jazz artists both Italian and International, he performed amongst others, odio l’estate” by Bruno Martino.

I consider that it has been an important moment to celebrate and remember an event of paramount importance for our country. On 2 June 1946 the Italian People chose by the democratic expression of referendum, its form of State and started walking the path which brought it to reach a difficult peace, to recover from the wounds of war, to grow economically and politically, to join the European Community and to finally become the modern and democratic worldwide respected and admired country which it is today.

I would like to emphasise that in a globalized world we have to recognise and underline the importance of cultural exchanges among people. In this context, the influence of the Italian cultural patrimony, diffused also through the Italian immigration in Australia, represents an element of paramount value in the country which hosts them and constitutes such a remarkable example of integration and synthesis among different culture.

The Italian Week has been also the perfect occasion to establish a fruitful collaboration with Queensland Government, creating an ideal link between the Italian Week and the Queensland Week. '...Arrivi...Partenze' symbolised the continuity.

Upon this foundation, on 5th June 2007, the Premiere of '...Arrivi...Partenze', presented by DadaDance, produced by Alessandro Sorbello and accompanied by a live performance by noted and accomplished Brazilian Guitarist - percussionist Jaider de Oliveira, took place.

As a recognition of an important synergic cooperation, the Ambassador of Italy in Canberra, H.E. Stefano Starace Janfolla and Mr. Marcia Ann Starace Janfolla, decided to participate to the event, flying from Canberra just for this occasion. The words of the Ambassador constitute a stimulus to continue following the same path for all the people who contributed to the success of the event. In his address he emphasised that projects as the one we presented, a remarkable result of a common effort of the Consulate of Italy and the Queensland Government, represent important moments for their contribution towards the definition of a common culture in a world which is becoming increasingly multicultural.

We very much appreciated the words of Vice minister for Multicultural affairs, Mr Michael Choi, who wished to acknowledge and recognise the significance of the Italian Community in the growth both socially and culturally of Queensland.

'...Arrivi...Partenze' officially closed Italian Week 2007 and so the 'voyage' of the artists who performed here with success. But the 'journey' across Italian Culture, will have in future, other significant moments of similar importance. I formally announce my commitment for “Settimana Italiana 2008”.

Francesco Capecchi
Consul of Italy in Queensland and Northern Territory