On the morning of April 3, 2025, the upper church of the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi hosted the event “Uto UGHI for Young People.” Maestro UGHI, an Italian violinist and musician, met with five hundred students from primary to high school, in an event promoted by the Ministry of Education and Merit, in collaboration with Autostrade per l’Italia. The Minister of Education and Merit of Italy, Giuseppe VALDITARA, was also present.
This event is part of a three-year agreement signed in June of 2024 between the Ministry and the Uto UGHI Foundation. The agreement is intended to promote classical music education in schools at all levels, and to foster educational activities and projects aimed at teaching the expressive potential of various musical instruments. It is also intended to develop initiatives that make music an experience of discovery, creativity, connection, and inclusion.
Following the concert, a press conference was held, attended by Friar Marco MORONI, the Custos of the General Custody of the Sacred Convent of St. Francis in Italy (Assisi), Maestro Uto UGHI, and Minister VALDITARA. During the conference, Minister VALDITARA announced the creation of the National School Orchestra, comprising sixty students from music-focused high schools across Italy. “We have experienced a truly enriching moment,” said Friar Marco MORONI. “Today, art continues to offer people an opportunity to grow and build goodness. Through art and music, we can face challenges and tensions with serenity. This is the great merit of those who live, create, and share art.”
Minister VALDITARA emphasized the importance of music education, stating: “The goal of music education is to teach listening. Music requires us to listen. In today’s world, we often struggle to truly listen: to the beauty of nature, to the people around us, to those we meet and to everything that surrounds us. Music also teaches us to respect, especially in a society where a culture of respect is increasingly lacking. That’s why we wanted this project, it aligns with the new civic education guidelines in Italian schools.”
Watch the full event here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiSET7DoX3g
Press Room – Andrea ROSSI
Sacred Convent of St. Francis
