Italian Lyric Singing Inscribed on UNESCO Intangible Heritage List
On December 6, 2023, the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, meeting for its 18th session in Botswana, officially recognized the Art of Italian Lyric Singing (Canto Lirico) as part of the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition highlights its importance to Italian culture and its role in promoting the Italian language. With this inclusion, Italy now has 16 elements listed as intangible heritage. Federico Domenico Eraldo Sacchi, who spearheaded the application, commended the collaborative efforts from various groups, including the Ministry of Culture. Notable contributors included Fondazione Teatro alla Scala and Accademia di Santa Cecilia, with Superintendent Cecilia Gasdia reflecting on the art's 400-year legacy.
Key facts
- Italian Lyric Singing inscribed on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list on December 6, 2023.
- Announcement made at the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee in Botswana.
- Recognition emphasizes national identity, emotional exchange, and promotion of Italian language.
- Italy now has 16 intangible heritage elements including Opera dei Pupi, Canto a tenore, and Cremona violin craftsmanship.
- Federico Domenico Eraldo Sacchi chaired the committee for the 10-year candidacy process.
- Committee includes Fondazione Teatro alla Scala, Accademia di Santa Cecilia, Assolirica, Fondazione Rossini di Pesaro, Istituto di Studi Verdiani, Centro Studi Pucciniani, Fondazione Cini, Archivio Ricordi, and ANFOLS.
- Cecilia Gasdia, Superintendent of Fondazione Arena di Verona, commented on the recognition.
- The art form originated over 400 years ago with 'Recitar cantando'.
Entities
Artists
- Federico Domenico Eraldo Sacchi
- Cecilia Gasdia
- Marco Tutino
Institutions
- UNESCO
- Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO
- Ministry of Culture (Italy)
- Committee for the Safeguarding of the Art of Italian Lyric Singing
- Fondazione Teatro alla Scala
- Accademia di Santa Cecilia
- Assolirica
- Fondazione Rossini di Pesaro
- Istituto di Studi Verdiani
- Centro Studi Pucciniani
- Fondazione Cini
- Archivio Ricordi
- ANFOLS – Associazione Nazionale Fondazioni Lirico-Sinfoniche
- Fondazione Arena di Verona
Locations
- Botswana
- Italy
- Cremona
- Pesaro
- Verona