(ANSA) - MILAN, 07 DEC - The audience of the Prima della Scala, once again this year, all standing, gave an ovation to the Head of State, Sergio Mattarella, as he entered the box of honor next to the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
The applause lasted more than five minutes.
Shouts rose from the audience "Great president", "Thank you president".
Mattarella responded by placing a hand on his heart as a sign of thanks.
The tribute of affection to Mattarella also came from the royal box, where the premier Giorgia Meloni, smiling, joined the applause of the public.
At the end, as usual, the Scala orchestra played the national anthem and then Beethoven's Ode to Joy, the hymn of Europe,
Meloni sang the anthem of Mameli.
Von derLeyen was also smiling who, after the execution of the Ode to Joy, waved to the audience, which was all turned towards the central stage.
(HANDLE).
