The prominent Italian solo pianist exhibited Rossini’s virtuosity in producing memorable and playful melodies (péchés de vieillesse), in an exciting dialogue with Fryderich Chopin, composer par excellence of piano works of the Romantic era.
The event was organised by the Consulate of Italy in Brisbane, in collaboration with the Institute of Culture in Sydney and the Queensland Department of Education, in occasion of the StuditaliA Prize ceremony, which saw four-week immersion experiences in Italy awarded to Kaitlin Brownhill (All Hallows’ College), Niccolino Ciranni (Cairns School of Distance Education), Kelsey Frith (Brisbane State High School), George Griswold (Brisbane State High School), Sebastien Masel (Brisbane State High School) and Claire McCormick (Stanthorpe State High School).
“The evening was made extra special, after the presentation to the winners, by the performance of one of Italy’s top pianists who is in Australia thanks to the Italian Institute of Culture,” president of Com.It.Es. QLD & NT, Mariangela Stagnitti, said.
“Needless to say everyone in the room was mesmerised.”
StuditaliA is supported by the voluntary contributions of institutions and associations of the Italian community, such as CO.AS.IT., the Italian Language Center (ILC), Dante Alighieri Brisbane, Fogolar Furlan, the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Queensland, Griffith University, Dante Alighieri Cairns, Dante Alighieri Gold Coast, ANFE and Com.It.Es.
From this year, the Italian company Mapei, which has its Australian headquarters in Wacol, Brisbane, joined in support of the prize in line with its commitment to Queensland and future generations.
Winning Queensland students act as ambassadors of the positive relationship between Queensland and Italy and often continue active involvement with the Italian community following their time abroad.
