The premiere of Puccini’s Swallow opera will take place in Yerevan on May 4, 2011, with a dedication to the 150th anniversary of Italy’s unification. The opera will be presented by Yerevan State Conservatory with the assistance of Italian embassy to Armenia and National academic Opera and Ballet Theater.

“It’s symbolic that Armenia marks the 150th anniversary of Italy’s unification,” Italian ambassador to RA Bruno Scapini said.

Director Hovhannes Hovhannisyan said that Perch Kharazyan, Sofia Sargsyan and other well-known soloists as well as Conservatory students will be performing. In all, over 100 performers are engaged.