On Friday, October 10, 2025, at 7 pm, the Old Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York opened its doors to the Military Office of the Military Representation at the UN for an event of great symbolic and cultural importance: the “Concert for Peace”, performed by the Federician Symphony Orchestra and directed by Maestro Benedetto Grillo.
The initiative was a significant step in the celebrations for the 70th anniversary of Italy’s accession to the United Nations, offering an opportunity to reflect on the Italian contribution to the promotion of peace and international cooperation.
The concert was organized by the Office of the Military Councillor at the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations, in the presence of General Alfonso Manzo, Lieutenant of Division of the Carabinieri, Deputy for Defense and Military Councillor at the Permanent Representation of Italy to the United Nations.
Within the Old Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, made available thanks to the support of Don Luigi Portarulo, the parish of reference of the Italian community of New York, music has assumed the role of instrument of dialogue and solidarity. The Federician Symphony Orchestra, coming from Bisceglie (Apulia), presented a program that has integrated historical memory and perspectives of hope, in a context in which the promotion of peace is particularly relevant. The orchestra, known for its ability to involve young talents and established musicians and for its commitment to cultural programmes oriented to diplomacy and inclusion, under the direction of Maestro Benedetto Grillo, has offered an important artistic and civil experience.
The program of the concert ranged from “To the United Nations” by Pablo Casals to “Once Upon a Time in America” by Ennio Morricone, passing through immortal pages like “L’Italiana in Algeri” by Gioachino Rossini, “Norma” by Vincenzo Bellini, “La Vergine degli Angeli” by Giuseppe Verdi, and “Serenata Sentimentale” by Enrico Toselli. There are no lack of moments of intense spirituality with “Pacem in Terris” by Monsignor Marco Frisina, nor homage to the Italian folk tradition with “Mamma” by Bixio Cherubini. To conclude the evening, the exciting “What a Wonderful World” by George David Weiss, a symbolic hymn to hope and universal brotherhood.
“In a time marked by conflicts and divisions, music reminds us that harmony is not only an aesthetic condition, but an ethical and civil choice. This concert aims to be a tribute to peace, but also a renewed commitment of Italy towards dialogue between peoples and international solidarity.”
Through the Concert for Peace, Italy reaffirmed its role in international cultural diplomacy, demonstrating how art and politics can collaborate to promote harmony and cooperation. Representatives from many member countries of the United Nations took part in the evening, witnessing how culture remains a universal language capable of combining different peoples and perspectives.
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