The Italian Embassy in Ghana has opened the Italian Culture Week in Accra which is aimed at celebrating the rich Italian Culture with Italians in Ghana and with the people of Ghana.

The week-long event kicked off yesterday, Monday October 21, at the College of Physicians & Surgeons with a lecture on "Creative Empathy and Vernacular Innovation" by Architect Mario Cucinella, Principal of MCArchitects, in collaboration with the Ghana Institute of Architects.

An inaugural concert dubbed "Non solo Verdi" in honour of Giuseppe Verdi was held to mark the 200th birthday anniversary of the legendary Italian romantic song composer in the 19th century.

Around the middle of the century, Verdi became the undisputed star, laying the foundations of such popularity that today, two hundred years after his birth, still continues unabated.

The voice of the flute brings to life the vicissitudes of opera’s heroes, in a deliberate alternation of operatic cantabile style and brilliant dance rhythms.

The audience has the pleasure of variety and the performers the opportunity to display the versatility of their technical and expressive skills.

Flautist Francesca Canali and Pianist Sebastiana Ierna performed to show how virtuoso techniques can bring new life and offer different perspectives of popular operatic arias.

Indeed, it was an all Italian affair, but certainly not opened to only Italians. Other nationalities including CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, Kwaku Sakyi Addo, was among some of the guests spotted enjoying rich Italian music.

The celebration continues with a SYMPOSIUM: Rural and urban landscapes: an Italian contribution to the debate in Ghana.

FILM: Cosmonaut Tuesday October 22 – 7 p.m

FILM: The second wedding night Wednesday October 23 – 7 p.m

PUPPET SHOW: Gone with the feet Thursday October 24 – 6 p.m

PUPPET SHOW: Gone with the feet Friday October 25 – 4 p.m

FILM: The salt of life Saturday October 26 – 7 p.m

Visit www.italianculturalweek.org/gh for more on the celebrations.

Visit www.italianculturalweek.org/gh for more on the celebrations.