Giovanni Zarrella delivered a musical highlight at the state dinner. Italy’s President Mattarella was thrilled.
In honor of Italian President Sergio Mattarella (83), Cologne came up with something special on Saturday evening: North Rhine-Westphalia Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst (49) and his wife Katharina Wüst (39) invited Mattarella to a festive meal at Cologne’s Flora. Giovanni Zarrella (46) provided the musical background.
The German-Italian was chosen to sing three songs at the event. The stage fright must have been extreme among this audience. In addition to the politicians mentioned, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (68), Cologne’s Mayor Henriette Reker (67), North Rhine-Westphalia’s Interior Minister Herbert Reul (72) and former Prime Minister Jürgen Rüttgers (73) were also present.
Zarrella sang these three songs
it was “very special to be able to sing three of Italy’s most famous songs in front of both presidents and my prime minister.” Zarrella was able to perform the Italian hits “L’italiano” by Toto Cutugno (1943-2023), “Nel blu, dipinto di blu” by Domenico Modugno (1928-1994) and “Torneró” by the band I Santo California.
Zarrella told “Bild” that it was “exciting and unimaginable” for his parents that he was meeting Mattarella. They came to Germany as guest workers, where Zarrella was born. “My mom immediately said I had to take a photo with him. She’s bursting with pride.”
And the appearance was apparently a success: Pictures show Zarrella shaking hands with the Italian president and both of them beaming. It is also reported that the Italian then invited Zarrella to his table and asked him about his family history.
Source: Stern
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