Erbil witnessed a special cultural evening as music became a bridge between Kurdistan and Italy. At Peshawa Hall, part of the Ministry of Culture and Youth, a concert titled Italian Echoes was held in honor of two renowned Italian maestros, flautist Andrea Griminelli and pianist Amadeo Salvato.
The concert was organized jointly by the Italian Consulate General in Erbil and the Ministry of Culture and Youth of the Kurdistan Regional Government. A large and attentive audience gathered to listen to a rich program of classical music, as Griminelli and Salvato performed works by some of the world’s most celebrated composers, including Donizetti, Bach, Popp, Borne, Battiato, Rota, and Morricone.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the performance of famous film soundtracks. Melodies from The Godfather, Cinema Paradiso, Romeo and Juliet, The Mission, and other iconic films filled the hall, stirring emotions and drawing the audience deeper into the music. The crowd listened with visible interest and appreciation, responding warmly to each piece.
Speaking after the concert, pianist Amadeo Salvato expressed his joy at performing in Erbil. “I was very pleased to hold a concert and bring some Italian classical music to the people of Erbil,” he said. “I felt warmth from the attendees; they loved the music and truly enjoyed it.”
Salvato also shared a personal experience from his visit to the city. During a walk through Erbil’s bazaar, he heard music that caught his attention. “I asked my friend what it was, and he told me it was Kurdish music,” he said. “That made me very eager to listen to more and learn more about the Kurdish people when I return to Italy. I would love to come back.”
Andrea Griminelli, one of the world’s most respected flautists, also spoke warmly about his time in Kurdistan. Having worked with legendary artists such as Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli, Griminelli described Erbil as a place that left a strong impression on him. “I’d love to come back,” he said. “I even told the Minister of Culture that we would be happy to stay a few more days to enjoy your city and your people.”
The Italian Echoes concert was more than a musical performance. It was a celebration of cultural exchange, mutual respect, and the power of art to connect people across borders—leaving behind not only beautiful melodies, but also a lasting sense of friendship and curiosity between Kurdistan and Italy.
