President of the Italian Republic Giorgio Napolitano loves his opera -- and really, how much would we love to see American President Obama frequently drop into his neighborhood opera houses like the Washington National Opera, or even New York's, Chicago's, and California's gorgeous venues.
Last night the Italian Prez stopped by to visit the 74th Festival del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino and take in Aida in a new staging by Ferzan Ozpetek, conducted by Zubin Mehta. Amneris is split between Luciana D’Intino and Mariana Pentcheva; Aida by Hiu He and Maria José Siri; and Radamès by Marco Berti and Walter Fraccaro.