In 1861, elections for Italy's first parliament were held in the northern Kingdom of Sardinia. It was the first election to choose lawmakers as Italy, newly independent from the Austrian Empire, sought to establish itself as a nation. Among those elected, the most prominent figure was Giuseppe Verdi, known as the "King of Opera." Verdi, who composed numerous operatic masterpieces including "La Traviata," "Rigoletto," and "Aida," enjoyed great fame as a composer but had little connection to politics. His name played a significant role in his being revered as a hero of Italian unification and elected as a founding member of parliament.
In the mid-1800s, the Italian independence movement was led by Vittorio Emanuele II, King of Sardinia. At the time, Verdi's operas were frequently staged in Italian theaters, and audiences would shout "Viva Verdi" (Long Live Verdi) after performances. While "Verdi" in the expression referred to the composer himself, it also symbolized the acronym "VERDI," standing for "Vittorio Emanuele Re D'Italia" (Vittorio Emanuele, King of Italy).
After operas ended, audiences cried out "Viva Verdi" at the top of their lungs — both as praise for Verdi and as an expression of their yearning for Italian independence. Verdi ran for parliament at the request of Camillo Cavour, a politician he had long admired. When Cavour passed away, Verdi also left the political arena. Among renowned classical composers, Verdi is virtually the only one to have been directly involved in politics.
Controversy is brewing over the plan to invite Italy's La Scala Theatre to perform Verdi's opera "Otello" as the opening performance of the Busan Opera House, scheduled for September next year. Critics argue that the opening event, which requires a hefty budget of 10.5 billion won, amounts to showcase administration that neglects support for local artists. It has also become one of the biggest issues in the June 3 Busan mayoral election. Beyond the political controversy, many are likely looking forward to experiencing firsthand the craftsmanship of La Scala, where "Otello" premiered. What is needed is the wisdom to seize the opportunity to enjoy world-class cultural offerings while also contributing to the growth of local arts and culture.
