The exhibition project "Giuseppe Verdi. Music and Culture", created in honour of the 200-th anniversary of the composer has successfully started in Italy and continues its world tour – says the press-service of the Ministry of culture.

The opening of the exhibition in Moscow is timed with "cross" Year of Tourism Italy – Russia and the Year of Culture in Russia.

"Verdi for us in Italy is a myth, a legend, a symbol of unity of people, state, the symbol of culture and beauty" – says the director of Italian Institute of Culture in Moscow Adriano Del Asta.

The exposition features original documentary materials that illustrate the stages of life and creativity of the musician: composer photos, letters and autographs, cartoon parodies of main characters of his operas, posters and archival records.

In the section "To see Verdi" the visitors may listen to the lecture of the conductor Riccardo Muti on the role of the composer in the formation of spiritual values of the Italian nation; see one of the first silent films based on Verdi opera; scenes from movies inspired by his operas; the concert of 1944 (the conductor is Arturo Toscanini).

A recent discovery by Milan film library - documentary footage of Giuseppe Verdi funeral – is also presented.

In interactive audio section one has the opportunity to go by the "historical" sound route comparing the phases of sound recording and playback devices’ development. Alongside with the rare records of outstanding opera singers from XIX-XX centuries the devices of sound reproduction (from the ones reading from wax cylinder to the first phonographs) are presented.

"The figure of Verdi in the context of cooperation between our countries – while this year is “cross” year between Russia and Italy – is symbolic – says the Counsellor of the Embassy of Italy in Russia Stefano Ravanyan. - At the invitation of Alexander II the composer has come to Russia in 1861 and spent two years in the country. I am sure that in Russia, even two centuries later, his music is as valued as in Italy ".

The exhibition will last till August 31.