Rita. 'A great honor'
Photo: Channel 2
Berlusconi to get a taste of Israeli culture
Photo: AP
Rita to sing for Berlusocni
Singer to perform at Preisdent's Residence during Italian prime minister's visit
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been considered a supporter of Israel
for years. He will soon have the opportunity to experience some Israeli culture, when he meets Israeli singer Rita.
The summit meeting will take place at the President's Residence in Jerusalem. President Shimon Peres is planning an official meal for Berlusconi on February 3. The Italian premier will be joined by some of his ministers.
The President's Residence has been trying to come up with an artistic program which would represent the State of Israel's cultural life. Different options were looked into, and a decision was eventually made to have a performance by Rita, who the Italian delegation was told is "Israel's leading singer". Rita, naturally, accepted the offer.
A number of European TV stations are planning to air a live broadcast of the performance and the rest of the visit.
Rita will sing two songs: One in Italian – Giacomo Puccini's "O Mio Babbino Caro", an aria from the opera "Gianni Schicchi" which she performs in her classical performances across the world; and one in Hebrew –"Hachnisini" from her debut album.
"It's a great honor for me to accept the request of the President's Residence to take part in the event and sing in front of President Shimon Peres and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi," Rita told the Yedioth Ahronoth daily. "I chose two songs which I believe represent the Israeli culture and the Italian culture."
