Milan celebrates Alessandro Manzoni 150 years after his death. The Cathedral, the Braidense National Library and above all Casa Manzoni, residence of the writer and his family from 1813 until his death. These are some of the places where the famous writer will be remembered on the 150th anniversary of his death on 22 May 1873. In honor of Manzoni, a rich schedule of events has been prepared which will take place throughout the course of the year. The initiatives are coordinated by the Municipality of Milan in collaboration with the major cultural institutes of the city.
Milan celebrates Manzoni
The Maggio Manzoniano, on the initiative of the archpriest of Duomo monsignor Gianantonio Borgonovo, of the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo and the Metropolitan Chapter, will record in the cathedral, throughout the month, the reading of 38 chapters of the Promessi Sposi. The readings will be entrusted to actors and emerging talents from the main Italian and Milanese theaters, with the participation of over 130 musicians. Each evening will be introduced by scholars and prominent exponents of the academic world. May 22, the day of Manzoni's disappearance, will be dedicated to the execution of the Verdi's Requiem with the Milan Symphony Orchestra. As was announced at the presentation of the project, which was also attended by the president of the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo Fedele Confalonieri, the president of the Senate Ignazio La Russa will also participate.
The plague horrible scourge
The exhibition was presented at the Braidense Library “Manzoni 1873-2023. The horrible plague scourge between living and writing”. The initiative is part of the celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the death of the author of the Promessi Sposi. The event was attended by the Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano, the Mayor of Milan Giuseppe Sala and the Councilor for Culture of the Lombardy Region, Francesca Caruso. And, again, from today 4 May until 8 July, the review consisting of 114 works, books, drawings, engravings that recall the figure of Alessandro Manzoni is scheduled.
A particular itinerary through the works marked by the tragedy of the plague: The Betrothed and the History of the Infamous Column. Organized in collaboration with the Ricordi Historical Archive and the scientific contribution of Manzoni's house, the review set up in the Maria Theresa Room of the Braidense speaks directly to today: “War, famine, plague, death. The four horsemen of the Apocalypse that dominate the headlines – commented the director of Brera James Bradburne – are also at the center of the exhibition, which shows how the words of a great writer can help us face the challenges of the contemporary world”.
(Featured photo Commons Wikimedia – public domain / Photo shows Facebook page National Braidense Library)
