Vitrum 2011 Preview: Two days of Art, Culture and Technology

True to tradition, and to renew this cultural commitment, Vitrum invited the correspondents from the leading industry trade journals to a spectacular preview presentation of the latest innovations they can expect to see at the quickly-approaching Milanese event. In fact, at the end of June its guests were offered a brief stay in Italy in the cities of Venice, Verona and Bassano del Grappa – two days spent appreciating the multifaceted expressions of art and culture and of the best Made in Italy traditions.



This year Vitrum hosted a very special weekend for the international trade press that culminated in the magical moment of experiencing Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Aida at the Arena of Verona – an opportunity to admire a prestigious Made in Italy creation through an artistic lens, for those who, by profession, are accustomed to viewing it through the lens of technology. (Photo courtesy of the Arena di Verona Foundation)

A guided tour took the guests to visit the marvelous sites of classical Verona, including the romantic settings for Romeo and Juliet and the historic undertakings of the Scala family, and ended with a sophisticated dinner at the Il Desco Restaurant, located in a prestigious building in the heart of the city’s historical center, where it’s possible to enjoy the dishes prepared by chef Elia Rizzo, recipient of two Michelin stars, the most opulent and sought-after international recognition for haute cuisine. “We’re not here by chance,” commented Dino Fenzi, President of Vitrum, during the dinner. “What we wanted to offer you this evening is a preview of what you’ll be able to experience every day at Vitrum. During the 4 days of the show, 4 chefs who have been awarded numerous Michelin stars will bring their talent to the Vitrum Gourmet Festival, a special event tied to fine Italian cuisine, the symbol par excellence of Made in Italy”. Vitrum is the first to bring a major culinary event to an industry trade show, making it possible for all the visitors to enjoy a unique experience in a relaxed and refined setting.

As a proper conclusion to the evening, the guests went on to experience a performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s classic opera, Aida, known around the world, at the Arena of Verona. In this absolutely unique and spectacular setting, the guests watched the drama of the famous opera unfold. Verdi’s Aida was re-proposed in a commemorative version of the original sets created by Veronese architect Ettore Fagiuoli, with which the first Festival of the Arena was inaugurated nearly a century ago, on August 10, 1913.



There’s a surprise in store at Vitrum this year – four award-winning chefs will be on hand to demonstrate their extraordinary skills.

The final act of the two days in Verona was a visit to the Bolle by Massimiliano Fuksas, the striking new auditorium of unmistakable design built in 2004 by the famous architect for the Nardini Distillery, an Italian company with more than 225 years of history and a perfect example of the entrepreneurial abilities of our country. A tribute to glass, the building makes a strong and tangible statement about the core essence of this precious material to the world of architecture and contemporary design. A message in perfect harmony with the spirit of Vitrum.