Feb. 7 – The Embassy of Italy in Washington DC recently hosted an event in favor of homeless children in Afghanistan, promoted and organized by the Aschiana Foundation of Washington. The undisputed stars of the event were the young musicians of Afghan Youth Orchestra, from the Afghanistan National Institute of Music. At the moment, they are engaged in a “historic” tour of the United States thanks to the U.S. State Department. They will perform in the Kennedy Center in Washington, at the World Bank, and at the Carnegie Hall in New York. The Youth Orchestra, composed of Afghan children from all social groups, including those at risk, is generating great interest in the American public and press. “This event was for us a real triumph – said Patricia Silbermann, president of the Aschiana Foundation – and we are delighted by the cooperation offered by the Italian Embassy. For these children perform here today is a miracle ” The Italian Ambassador in Washington Claudio Bisogniero welcomed about 300 guests: “Being able to listen live, in our Embassy, the Afghan Youth Orchestra – said the ambassador – was a great privilege. The initiative is fully consistent with the Italian commitment in Afghanistan, not only militarily, but also for societal development. It is important, among other things, that the event took place during the Year of Italian Culture in the United States.”
