Casa Stradivari - Amerigo Vespucci

Fondazione Casa Stradivari, the 1720 Stradivari “The Angel” – ex Madrileno and maestros Fabrizio von Arx and Antonio Valentino were the protagonists of the event “Nave Vespucci presents… The Secrets of Antonio Stradivari”, organised by the Italian Embassy in Riyadh at the Villaggio Italia set up in Jeddah on the occasion of the final stop of the Amerigo Vespucci World Tour.

The Amerigo Vespucci Training Ship, in service since 1931, is the oldest unit of the Italian Navy and has for decades played the role of a travelling Ambassador of Italy, Made in Italy and UNESCO values. This role was further strengthened with the 2023–2025 World Tour, which combined the training of Officer Cadets with an intense programme of cultural diplomacy and the promotion of Italian excellence. Over 24 months, the ship sailed 49,500 nautical miles, reaching 5 continents, 33 countries and 53 ports, hosting the Villaggio Italia / Villaggio IN Italia in 17 stops—an itinerant exhibition dedicated to showcasing Italian talent and traditions.

On Tuesday 28 January 2025, a concert by Fabrizio von Arx (violinist and Artistic Director of Fondazione Casa Stradivari) and Antonio Valentino (pianist and Artistic Director of Unione Musicale) took place, featuring a programme ranging from Bach, Vivaldi and Paganini to Saint-Saëns and Sarasate. The performance thrilled an enthusiastic and international audience, including the Italian Ambassador to Riyadh, Carlo Baldocci. Prior to the concert, promotional videos by the Municipality of Cremona and Fondazione Casa Stradivari were screened, narrating and showcasing the beauty of the city of the great master luthier.

During the stay, Maestro Fabrizio von Arx performed the Italian national anthem on the bow of the Amerigo Vespucci - an emotional moment celebrating the history of our country.