A Chinese musical manager and educator has received a honorary degree from the University of Turin for his education activities in China regarding opera, particularly Italian opera. The honorary degree, Doctor of Languages and Civilizations of Asia and Africa, was given on November 3 by the University of Turin to Chen Ping, president of China’s National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA).

    According to the organizers, Chen contributed to developing collaborative and exchange relations with the most important lyric theaters in the world and with leading Italian and international artists.

    “This honor really represents the symbol of new friendly relations between Italy and China. I experienced a very important and unforgettable moment of my life here,” Chen told Xinhua on November 4.

    Born in 1954, Chen holds an MBA degree in China. He became the first president of the NCPA since its opening in December 2007.

    During the degree-awarding ceremony in the University of Turin, Chen showed a clip of a special version of “Turandot,” the well-known Italian opera, which attracted many university students and professors.

    The video shown on the occasion was part of the “Turandot” composed by the NCPA, which features a conclusion written by a Chinese composer.

    Stefania Stafutti, director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Beijing and professor of the University of Turin, said Chen has been an important figure in the dialogue between the Chinese and Italian cultures. According to Stafutti, the NCPA president combines the best expressions of the performing arts with the best of the local tradition.

    “With an activity whose importance is recognized and highly appreciated by operators in the sector at international level, Chen has inspired his work to some key lines of action, addressed to the artistic value, the internationalization and the attention to public and civil society, with the conviction that ‘art transforms the quality of life,’” said Stafutti.

    “Under the leadership of Chen, the NCPA’s strategy is based on three points: excellence universally recognized, globalization of the activities of the theater, and promotion of talents,” she said.

    Since the opening of the NCPA in 2007, Chen has helped promote Italian music, hosting more than 20 companies including the Royal Theater in Parma, the Theater La Fenice in Venice, the Symphony Orchestra of Santa Cecilia, the Toscanini Philharmonic Orchestra and the Ballet of Rome. (Xinhua)

    (Xinhua)