by Nina Vaclavikova
Interview: Pierpaolo Roberti, FVG Councillor for Local Authorities, Public Administration, Security, and Immigration; Giuseppe Petronzi, prefect of Trieste; Colonel Gianluca Migliozzi; Provincial Commander of the Carabinieri of Trieste; Francesco Granbassi; President of the Teatro Stabile del Friuli Venezia Giulia
On the evening of February 25, 2026, the Politeama Rossetti in Trieste will host a concert by the Band of the Italian Carabinieri, one of Europe’s most distinguished military ensembles. The performance, offered free of charge to the public, is dedicated to the memory of Salvo D’Acquisto, the young Carabinieri vice brigadier whose actions during World War II have come to symbolize civic duty and moral courage in Italy.
The concert will begin at 8:30 p.m. and will conclude a full day of public initiatives at the historic theater. Earlier that morning, at 9 a.m., members of the Carabinieri will lead a public awareness event focused on preventing fraud, particularly targeting groups most vulnerable to scams. Both initiatives were presented during a press conference held at the Rossetti’s Sala 1954.
Among those attending the presentation were Pierpaolo Roberti, regional councillor for local authorities, public administration, security, and immigration; Serena Tonel, Trieste’s deputy mayor; Colonel Gianluca Migliozzi, provincial commander of the Carabinieri in Trieste; and Francesco Granbassi, president of the Teatro Stabile del Friuli Venezia Giulia, which oversees the Politeama Rossetti.
The event marks the first anniversary of a significant moment in the Catholic Church’s recognition of Salvo D’Acquisto. On February 25, 2025, Pope Francis declared him “Venerable,” a key step in the ongoing process toward beatification. D’Acquisto, born in Naples in 1920, was executed by Nazi forces in 1943 near Torre di Palidoro, outside Rome, after voluntarily taking responsibility for an explosion he had not caused in order to save 22 civilians from retaliation.
His sacrifice has long been commemorated in Italy as an emblem of selflessness and ethical responsibility. In 2020, on the centenary of D’Acquisto’s birth, President Sergio Mattarella described him as one of the figures upon whom the Italian Republic’s moral foundations rest, citing his example as a lasting legacy for younger generations.
The Trieste initiative seeks to connect that historical legacy with contemporary civic engagement. The morning program at the Rossetti will focus on fraud prevention, an issue of growing concern across Italy. Specialists from the Carabinieri will explain common scam techniques, how to recognize warning signs, and when to seek assistance from law enforcement. The session will be hosted by Davide Calabrese, a member of the comedy and theater group Oblivion, who also has experience as a magician and has previously worked on public education initiatives related to deception and fraud.
Organizers describe the event as both educational and preventative, aimed at reducing not only financial losses but also the psychological consequences often associated with scams, including fear, guilt, and loss of confidence.
The evening concert will place the spotlight on the Band of the Carabinieri, whose origins date back to the early 19th century. Over time, the ensemble has developed a broad and eclectic repertoire that extends well beyond traditional military marches to include classical works and modern compositions. Internationally, the band is known for its technical precision, formal elegance, and distinctive visual presence, underscored by its ceremonial uniforms.
Since 2000, the ensemble has been led by Maestro Massimo Martinelli and today comprises more than 100 musicians. Critics have often described it as a symphonic band with the sound and discipline of a full orchestra.
The program prepared for the Trieste concert reflects that versatility. It will include “Viva San Giusto,” the hymn of the city of Trieste; Vittorio Monti’s virtuosic “Csárdás”; selections from Ennio Morricone, including “Gabriel’s Oboe”; and Georges Bizet’s “Farandole.” A commemorative moment will be dedicated to Salvo D’Acquisto with the performance of “Presente,” a composition written by Maestro Martinelli in his honor.
The concert will be hosted by Margherita Granbassi, a television presenter originally from Trieste and a former elite fencer who competed as part of the Carabinieri sports group. Her role is intended to underscore the connections between the city, the performing arts, and the institution being honored.
Tickets for the concert will be distributed free of charge beginning February 4, subject to availability. Members of the public may collect up to two tickets each at the Politeama Rossetti box office, which will be open from 10 a.m.
