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Cari Amici, It is my pleasure to invite Founding Patrons on a very special journey to celebrate our brand new major donors guild, the International Friends of Festival Verdi. Festival Verdi is the centerpiece of the Teatro Regio di Parma, the beating heart of the capital of Il Paese del Melodramma, and each autumn, around Giuseppe Verdi’s birthday on October 10th, Festival Verdi comes to life with a full month of music, opera, exhibitions and conferences to celebrate the great Maestro in his two hometowns of Parma and Busseto. Known as the “City of Music,” Parma has a deep and lasting bond with musical geniuses including Giuseppe Verdi, Arturo Toscanini and Nicolò Paganini. All this, together with the unsurpassed greatness of the artists who have performed here for nearly 200 years, makes the Theater an invaluable cultural asset with huge potential for development. No single organization has been more creative and joyful in celebrating the composer’s achievements than Festival Verdi. The acclaimed annual Festival is committed to performing, interpreting and studying the works of Giuseppe Verdi featuring performances in three historic, beautiful theaters and at public and private locations in and around Verdi’s homeland. Together with Angiolo Carrara Verdi, Chair of the International Friends Honorary Council, and direct descendant of Giuseppe Verdi, I am proud to be inviting Founding Patrons to this exclusive Fall tour in the Maestro’s native land that will unveil the constellation of treasures linked to the composer’s life and work, and will conclude with a Gala Concert to celebrate the Maestro’s 204th birthday at the Teatro Regio di Parma. Many friends, who understand Festival Verdi’s values and share our passion for the art of Giuseppe Verdi, have generously decided to open their homes to us. On this trip, you will have the opportunity to dine at the Castello di Scipione of Count von Holstein Pallavicino, at the residence of Marchesa Dalla Rosa Prati, and at the Labirinto della Masone, the world’s largest labyrinth of bamboo plants where Franco Maria Ricci and Laura Casalis will show us their collection. I hope that you will be able to join us. Viva Verdi! Warm Regards, Anna Maria Meo, General Director Teatro Regio di Parma & Festival Verdi FOUNDING PATRONS will experience these magnificent musical performances from reserved VIP seats.