Concert highlighting Russia’s participation in L’Aquila restoration held at the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Rome

The Russian Center for Science and Culture in Rome (RCSC) hosted a “Friendship Concert” to highlight the participation of Russia in restoration of architectural monuments in the Italian city of L’Aquila after a devastating earthquake of 2009. The initiative was encouraged by "L’Aquila is us” Association", the Russian Embassy in Italy and the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Rome.

On April 6, 2009, an earthquake exceeding 6 magnitude destroyed L’Aquila and several other cities in the Italian region of Abruzzo. Settlements in the area of ​​Lazio were affected, too. As a result of the terrible tragedy, 309 people were killed while severe damage was caused to the artistic and architectural heritage.

The Russian Federation took an active part in rescue and restoration works. Our country has assumed the obligation to assist Italy in the restoration of Ardinghelli Palace and St. Gregory the Great Church in L’Aquila.

The evening was opened by the Head of the RCSC Oleg Osipov and the Vice-President of "L’Aquila is us" Association Alfredo Ranieri Montuori. "We, the L’Aquila residents, heartily thank the Russian Federation for its kindness and generosity, for its participation in the reconstruction of our city. And today we are expressing our gratitude by means of music", - the association’s vice-president said.

"Fandango" string quintet performed the works of Niccolò Paganini, Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco and Luigi Boccherini.

The Presidential Library’s website provides access to «Russia – Italy: Time Travel» electronic collection. The studies, collected documents, travelers' notes and photographs reveal the geography, history and culture of Italy, the history of Russian-Italian diplomatic relations since the 16th century, and Suvorov's Italian campaign of 1799.

Based on the materials of http://rs.gov.ru website