Chongqing - As part of the 2024 Global Summer Music Festival, the renowned Italian duo Il Gran Duo Italiano brought the charm of Italian classical music to Chongqing with their performance, Serenata Italiana - Concerto del Gran Duo Italiano.

 Il Gran Duo Italiano brought the charm of Italian classical music to Chongqing with their performance. (Photo/The event organizer)

Fabio Schina, Consul General of Italy in Chongqing, highlighted the Consulate's efforts in organizing various cultural activities, such as art exhibitions, music concerts, and film screenings.

"Music plays a crucial role in cultural exchange and interpersonal communication, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding. Through this timeless musical journey, the performers will display the traditional treasures of Italian musical culture with their exceptional skills," said Consul General Schina.

The Italian duo, consisting of violinist Mauro Tortorelli and pianist Angela Meluso, captivated the audience with their versatile performance. They led the audience on a musical journey through time, featuring works by Niccolò Paganini and Ennio Morricone, as well as classic film scores from Giuseppe Tornatore’s Nuovo Cinema Paradiso and Federico Fellini’s La Strada.

The Italian duo, consisting of violinist Mauro Tortorelli and pianist Angela Meluso, captivated the audience with their versatile performance. (Photo/The event organizer)

The entire repertoire featured the piano and the unique "five-string violin." This innovative instrument, conceived by Mauro Tortorelli and crafted by Italian luthiers Vincenzo and Marco Corrado, incorporates an additional lower string to the traditional four strings of a violin, seamlessly blending the sounds of both the violin and viola.