What a night this was! The terribly inconvenient downpour of rain didn't stop the opening from going ahead, but instead of being out in the courtyard of the Historiale, we held it in what turned out to be rather a cramped space for all the people who came to support the opening event. Because parking was outside the enclosure, some very damp officials and military personnel made their way to the exhibition venue.
The exhibition was opened by the Chief of the New Zealand Army, Major General John Boswell, in the presence of other dignitaries and supported by the NZDF concert party. The senior members of the Cassino Commune were present, along with other dignitaries from the New Zealand Rome Embassy, and Avv. Roberto Molle, president of the Associazione Battaglia di Cassino and long-time supporter of Legato. The NZDF concert party performed first in the entrance hall and then in the centre "stage", and their contribution was most warmly received.
Many lingered long after the exhibition was "closed" for the evening, and supporters of the Maori Battalion thrilled those of us left there with another impromptu concert.
If that, thanks to Covid restrictions and changing priorities, happened to be my last "Legato", then I am happy to have been a part of such a successful evening. It was truly memorable, not just for the rain, but for all the very best reasons too.
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