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Ricordi’s two hundred years.
January 11, 2008 was an important day in celebration of the bicentennial of Casa Ricordi. People gathered to celebrate a company that established a true cultural system known and respected in Europe and throughout the world; a company that contributed in a significant manner toward the musical growth of the country.
The day began with a press conference, which was held at the Braidense National Library in Milan. During this occasion, the vast cultural projects planned for 2008 by the Ricordi National Committee were presented.
The initiatives were explained by Tino Cennamo, President of the Ricordi National Committee, Vittorio Sgarbi, Cultural Assessor for the City of Milan, Maurizio Fallace, General Manager of the Heritage of Books and Cultural Institutes, Mario Miscali, Commissioner of the Cariplo Fund and Camillo Ricordi, family descendent.
The second event of the day for celebrating the bicentennial of Casa Ricordi was the “Two Centuries of Great History”, exhibit. The exhibit was held in the splendid Maria Teresa Room of the Braidense Library and depicted the two hundred years of the most famous musical house in the world through a display of unique documents that have been conserved in the Ricordi Historical Archives. Thanks to well-planned arrangements, this documentation treasure was offered for public viewing in all of its unaltered splendor.
The display goes from the Giovanni Ricordi contract in 1808 to a very recent and previously unseen piece by composer Fabio Vacchi. All this proves once again, the central position of Casa Ricordi in the evolution of the musical market.
The concert, “Two Centuries of Great Music”, directed by Maestro Riccardo Chailly, representing the most enjoyable and festive moment, was held at the Teatro alla Scala, an idyllic partner with whom Casa Ricordi shares the history of our country’s musical culture.
History would also have it that right near Teatro alla Scala, Giovanni Ricordi initially established the music publishing company, which until 1808 was a model of excellence for musical companies, and not only in our country.
Among others, Francesco Rutelli, the Minister of Cultural Heritage and Activities, participated in the event as well as Andrea Marcucci, Under-secretary of State at the Minister of Cultural Heritage and Activities, Vittorio Sgarbi, Cultural Assessor of Milan, Massimo Zanelli, Cultural Assessor of the Lombardy region, as well as a good number of representatives from the Bertelsmann company, owner of the Ricordi trademark and the Ricordi Archives.
Among all the anniversary celebrations of Casa Ricordi, which took place on four different occasions (1908, 1928, 1958 and 1983), the one in 2008 is unique and stands out due to the musical excellence and the company’s role as a knowing and active member of society. A member who provides a rewarding framework connecting the territory and community while it strengthens its own traditions and valorizes its prestigious Archives.