"This year, we are celebrating half a century of twinning with Pesaro-Urbino in Italy. Our two cities are very close, and over this long period of time, many friendly ties have developed between the citizens of the Italian partner province and Wolfsburg. It is well known that music also brings people together. This program therefore reflects the special connection and significance very well," explains Lord Mayor Dennis Weilmann.

An evening that builds bridges

The event is the result of close cooperation between the Scharoun Theater, the City of Wolfsburg, the Italian Consular Agency Wolfsburg and the Rossini Opera Festival - with the support of the Volkswagen Group. Advance ticket sales will start shortly, initially for subscribers, with free sales beginning at the end of June. Tickets cost between 17 and 43 euros.

But the evening not only celebrates a city anniversary - it also commemorates the moving history of many Italian citizens of Wolfsburg.

"In Wolfsburg in particular, however, the connection to Italy is even more deeply rooted: in the 1960s and 1970s, numerous Italian professionals came to Wolfsburg to help build up the city and Volkswagen in particular. Many of them and their families stayed and have had a lasting impact on social, economic and cultural life in Wolfsburg. This shared history gives our partnership with Pesaro-Urbino a very special emotional depth," continued Mayor Weilmann.

"The signing of the recruitment agreement 70 years ago was a great success. It enabled many Italians to find work in Germany - a development that had a lasting impact on the fate and future not only of individuals and families, but of both nations. Mutual exchange laid the foundations for a bond that was particularly close to the hearts of the founders of the European Union and which still forms the basis for peaceful coexistence today," says Chiara Felicelli, Consular Agent at the Italian Consular Agency in Wolfsburg.

Rossini in Wolfsburg

For Christian Mädler, Director of the Scharoun Theater, this performance is a cultural highlight: "Rossini's opera The Journey to Reims comes to life once again, only this time the destination is Wolfsburg instead of Reims, where the 50th anniversary of the town twinning between Wolfsburg and Pesaro will be 'crowned' with a special performance in the Scharoun Theater. For me personally, this exhilarating opera with its highly virtuoso arias is perfect for such a special and happy occasion."

An evening that shows how culture unites - across borders, across generations.