Coronavirus: Cambridge Italian community sing in solidarity
Italians living in Cambridge sang out in solidarity on Sunday to try to lift spirits amid the coronavirus epidemic.
Italy has the highest number of deaths worldwide from the virus. Members of the Italian community are extremely worried about friends and relatives who are all stuck at home as part of an Italy-wide lockdown.
After seeing videos of Italians bursting into morale-boosting songs on their balconies, Cambridge hairdresser Piero D'angelico has decided to start a sing-along.
He and his friend from the Italian consulate will blast out Nessun Dorma from a sound system and stream it on their phones outside flats next to Cambridge train station.
Piero said: “ We wanted people to know that we stand with them and with Italy. I have family and friends in Italy and the stories I am hearing are heartbreaking. The only way we will defeat this is by standing together and looking out for each other and thinking about how our actions could affect others.
“I was inspired by news of Italians singing together from their apartments and wanted to bring this idea here too. People really seemed to enjoy it and even came out of their balconies to wave the European flag and to clap.”
First, the pair of friends played the Italian national anthem, then they held a silence to remember the victims of the virus. Finally they played the last part of Nessun Dorma, Vincero, which means we will win.
Daniel Zeichner MP has sent a video message of support.
He says: “Cambridge stands with Italy and the world stands united. Viruses know no borders. But neither does solidarity. Please follow the advice, wash your hands and follow social distancing guidelines. That is how we will beat this in Italy, Cambridge and the world. Vincerò! Vincerò!”
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