Maestro Riccardo Muti created memorable moments during the traditional Christmas concert held at the Italian Senate on December 22, 2024. Renowned for his wit as much as his musical talent, Muti humorously interrupted the performance when someone’s cellphone rang, urging, "Stutatelo 'sto telefono," which translates to "turn off your phone." The lighthearted incident prompted laughter from the audience, made up of dignitaries including President Sergio Mattarella and other high-ranking officials.
The concert, which celebrated its fourteenth edition, featured works by Ludwig van Beethoven and Georges Bizet, beginning with the overture to Coriolan and followed by Bizet’s Roma Symphony. Muti's direction brought forth the immense talent of the Orchestra Giovanile Luigi Cherubini, founded by him to nurture Italy's young musicians.
Notably present were Senate President Ignazio La Russa and Chamber of Deputies President Lorenzo Fontana, who both stood to applaud the maestro along with the enthusiastic audience. La Russa, recognizing Muti’s contribution, presented him with the Senate's bell, traditionally used to restore order during parliamentary sessions. "It's my honor to present this to Maestro Muti as a token of appreciation and admiration," La Russa remarked.
Muti showcased his characteristic humor and ease with the audience throughout the evening. After addressing the ringing cellphone incident, he reflected seriously, "I have not prepared a speech. When I don’t prepare, no one can predict what might come from my mouth." This light touch was balanced by genuine acknowledgment of the complexity of the pieces performed, stating, "You have listened to two extremely complex compositions played beautifully by the flower of Italian youth."
During his brief address, Muti extolled the dedication of young musicians and their journeys toward achieving beauty and harmony through artistry. "There is a beautiful part of Italy, often overlooked, where youth dedicate their lives to seeking beauty," Muti expressed, reflecting his own experiences and the hard work involved in the development of talent within the orchestra. His emotional connection to the subject was palpable as he added, "This is the art: ars longa, vita brevis—art is long, life is short."
The concert not only celebrated Christmas but also highlighted the remarkable achievements of the young musicians, many of whom have gone on to perform with prestigious orchestras. Muti underscored the importance of fostering talent, stating, "The Cherubini orchestra has trained over one thousand musicians over the past twenty years, many of whom now play internationally."
The event represented not just a festive occasion but also served as a reminder of the cultural fabric of Italy, blending humor, tradition, and recognition of young talent. Muti’s humorous yet poignant remarks echoed through the Senate chamber, reinforcing the idea of the importance of cultural events, even within the serious walls of governmental proceedings.
Many notable guests attended the concert, including ministers and public figures, with some even caught momentarily distracted during the performance, highlighting the concert's jovial atmosphere—a refreshing backdrop to the otherwise solemn setting of the Senate.
Despite some humorous moments, the underlying appreciation for music and arts shone brightly throughout the evening. Even as Muti lightened the mood with his commentary, he remained focused on the concert's artistic goals and the importance of cultural engagement. Concluding the concert, he remarked on the necessity of recognizing and promoting the talent within Italy, emphasizing, "No one possesses the absolute truth, and even critics can learn from this wonderful art. This is something I wish to impart to the young musicians here."
The concert ended with rousing applause, as Muti and the orchestra received a lengthy standing ovation, celebrating not just their performance but the spirit of Togetherness and cultural pride embodied by the evening. Through humor and artistry, Maestro Riccardo Muti reminded everyone present of music's power to unite and uplift, even amid political discourse—a true Christmas celebration at the heart of Italy.
