Italian award for Hussain Dawood

Islamabad

Putting aside worrying and negative thoughts which are a sign of the times, guests gathered at the residence of the Ambassador of Italy and Mrs Vincenzo Prati for a grand dinner party in honour of one of Pakistan’s most successful businessmen, Hussain Dawood, who was presented with the Italian award, ‘Ufficiale Dell Ordine Al Merito Della Republica Italiana’. Extra enjoyment was added to the event with a live performance by Opera star, Luisa Ciciriello accompanied by pianist Fabio Montani who had come especially for the occasion.

The function was attended by Dawood family members; many diplomats and business persons, some from Karachi — BOI chief Saleem Mandviwalla; the Consul General of Italy and a group of Italians from the firm ENI (Gas) including MD Biagio Pietraroia among them — and a number of persons from the ‘who’s who’ list of the capital. A festive ambience prevailed throughout the evening and there was a general consensus that event’s such as this need to be organised to keep up morale in these trying times.

The evening began with Luisa singing two short arias from different operas — I’m not familiar with opera, so I cannot specify — before starters were served and the ceremony was initiated.

Speaking on the occasion the host said Italy would like to consider a leading figure such as Mr. Dawood an example of the high level of cooperation between Italy and Pakistan; spoke of future cooperation and setting up of two Chambers of Commerce, one each in Karachi and Lahore and how Pakistan needs to be supported in these critical times “Before giving him the floor, let me say a last word of praise of Mr. Dawood” he said. “He is an example of successful enterprise, solid values and — working with Italians — of grace under stress.”

Accepting the award, Hussain Dawood thanked the ambassador and the government of Italy for the honour and said that while Pakistani ties with Italy

were strong, there was scope for an expansion in all areas of cooperation. He termed Italy a beautiful country with friendly people; said a few words in acknowledgement of services rendered by his Islamabad representative, Brigadier (r) Akram and thanked everyone for being present on this memorable occasion.

Saleem Mandviwala in his brief address said the government was doing everything to promote investment and he would reach out, as he did recently in Italy, to the medium and smaller investors to come to Pakistan.

Dinner featured delicious Italian specialties with a dessert ‘to die for!’ Before the evening ended Luisa sang the very popular ‘O Sole Mio’ which everyone knows, even I, in this way making it a perfect ending to a very pleasant evening!

Luisa Ciciriello has a conservatory degree with honours at the Academy of Music “Santa Cecilia” of Rome; attended advanced courses at many prestigious music academies.

In 2003: First prize winner at the 57th edition of young lyrical singer contest of Spoleto, Italy; 2004: Second prize winner at the 3rd International Singing contest of Ortona, Italy and Second prize winner at the 2nd International Singing contest, Livorno. 2007: Special prize at the International lyric singing contest “Ravello, Citta della Musica”.

She has sung in major roles during the Opera seasons from 2003 onwards and given several concerts abroad, collaborating with the Baku National Theatre (Azerbaijan) in 2006; with the Italian Cultural Institute in Edinburgh; performed in Glasgow at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama; in Aberdeen at the Fyvie Castle and in Dundee at the City Chambers; with the Embassy of Italy in Abuja (Nigeria).

Contemporary and sacred music is also included in her repertoire.

Fabio Montani is an accomplished pianist who has accompanied many opera stars besides Luisa. He is a free lance artiste and much in demand when the opera season is in full swing. Besides playing in concerts around the world, he teaches piano. Both artistes were happy to be in Pakistan, said Pakistanis were ‘wonderful people’ and felt disappointed that they were not allowed to travel around because of security concerns but hope to come back one day for a longer tour.