Music and culture buffs are in for a treat this summer with a program of ten concert performances in the ancient Roman amphitheater in Pompeii in June and July.
"Today we are celebrating the very happy union between the artistic cultural heritage and one of our national excellences, bel canto, recognized as such by Unesco," said Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano, presenting the project on Tuesday at the ministry in Rome.
The reference is to the December decision by the IntangibleHeritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to include the art of Italian opera singing in the intangible heritage of humanity.
"These two elements come together and combine" to "enhance our cultural heritage," added the minister.
The concerts will be staged in what is the oldest surviving gladiator arena, dating to 70 BC.
The Colosseum in Rome was built over 100 years later, around 80AD.
In October 1971 British rock band Pink Floyd performed in the Roman amphitheater, formalizing its connection to music.
The summer line up includes Carmen Consoli (June 8), John Legend (June 11), Russell Crowe (July 9), Ludovico Einaudi (July 12), Il Volo (July 17), Biagio Antonacci (July 18-19-20) , the Pooh(July 22) and Francesco De Gregori (July 26).
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