The "Violin of the Sea" was born from the idea of ​​transforming the wood on which migrant people have traveled, many of whom have not even managed to finish their journey, into an instrument of hope that can communicate a culture of hospitality through music and integration.

A violin that is a witness of pain and at the same time can generate, through art and beauty, a culture capable of opposing indifference. The violin was built in the lutherie and carpentry workshop in the Opera prison, one of the Foundation's first projects.

The violin was made by the master luthier Enrico Allorto, together with the prisoners hired in the workshop by the Casa dello Spirito e delle Arti Cooperative, which works in close synergy with the Foundation.

Above, Pope Francis welcoming the Casa dello Spirito e delle Arti Foundation

This tool began its journey with the blessing of Pope Francis:

on February 4, 2022, Carlo Maria Parazzoli, first violin of the National Orchestra of the Academy of Santa Cecilia, played the composition "Canto del legno", written for the occasion by Maestro Nicola Piovani, in front of the Holy Father.

The Violin, after the blessing of the Holy Father, begins its journey to be played, in Italy and abroad, as a sign of witness.

Above, Pope Francis holding the Violin of the Sea in his hand

A list of articles regarding the "Violin of the Sea":
➡ "Un violino dai barconi" (La Repubblica)
➡ "Un violino dal legno dei barconi" (Avvenire)
➡ "Nel carcere di Opera le barche dei migranti diventano strumenti musicali" (Artribune)
➡ "Radio di bordo del 19/02/2022" (RAI)
➡ L'extraordinaire histoire des «violons de la mer» à Opera (RFI)
➡ Michele Serra presenta il Violino del Mare a “Che Tempo che fa” (video - RAI)
➡ La fabuleuse histoire des violons de la mer (La Croix)
➡ À Milan, des détenus recyclent des barques de migrants en violons (Horizons)