Giacomo Puccini celebrated: between toasts, Mainoli-Faravelli duo opens book of memories
An exclusive afternoon, dedicated to the protagonists of Made in Italy, in the refined Sala Puccini of the Grand Hotel et de Milan. The event brought together journalists, entrepreneurs and lovers of art and opera for the final chapter of Galleria&Friends, the network of Antiche Botteghe di Milano e Lombardia founded by Elisabetta Invernici and Alberto Oliva. This special edition celebrated Giacomo Puccini, marking the centenary of his death on Nov. 29, 1924.
After exploring themes such as music, libretti, fashion and places dear to the composer in previous meetings, the concluding event highlighted his role as an Ambassador of Made in Italy in the world. Puccini, with his artistic talent and a pioneering vision of marketing, promoted his music through international tours and collaborated with publisher Ricordi to organize premieres at major theaters such as the Metropolitan in New York. He was among the first to use promotional tools such as autographed postcards, porcelain plates, silk scarves, posters and the first 78 rpm records, demonstrating a’careful understanding of technological innovation and the music industry. This ability’to make sé a global brand continues to inspire the Italian business world, particularly appreciated in the United States.
During the meeting, Flavio Mazzolatti, President of the Club of the Friends of Made in Italy, shared testimonies from entrepreneurs and institutions, including Angelo Agresta, Rector of the Labor Paritarian High School, which represents the first Made in Italy High School in Milan and province.
One of the most significant moments of the evening è was the presentation of an unpublished original letter by Giacomo Puccini, dated Jan. 8, 1908, addressed to Baron Giuseppe Weil Weiss. The letter, kept by Santino Mainoli’s family, è was unveiled by Beppe Mainoli and Antonio Faravelli. Santino Mainoli, who lived between 1842 and 1910 in the Lomellina region, was a friend of Faravelli’s great-grandfather, a viticulturist and promoter of the 1895 Golf and Wine project in the Oltrepò Pavese.
The document tells of a convivial tradition involving hunters, winemakers and lovers of good wine, including Puccini himself. A great admirer of the wines of the Oltrep’Oltrepò, particularly Bonarda and sparkling white Pinots, the composer wrote to Baron Weil Weiss to attend a famous hunting party in the company of friends. This tradition of conviviality, born in 1895, continues to this day, testifying to the link between culture, territory and passion.
Pictured, from left to right: Antonio Faravelli, Alberto Oliva, Elisabetta Invernici, Beppe Mainoli, Angelo Agresta, Flavio Mazzolatti
