RCMF Founder Robert McDuffie Honored in Campidoglio with a Gold Medal

To celebrate the milestone of the Rome Chamber Music Festival’s 20th anniversary, Robert McDuffie was awarded a medal celebrating Christmas in Rome by the President of the Capitoline Assembly (presented on behalf of the Mayor who was absent due to state business). During the event, Mr. McDuffie played his Guarnieri del Gesù and was accompanied by pianist Elena Matteucci.

Mr. McDuffie expressed affection for his festival, which began as a desire to bring a world-class music event to the Eternal City. He stated that, “in discovering Rome during these twenty years I have discovered myself.” This year also marks the 15th anniversary of the RCMF’s Young Artist Program, which aims to nurture the next generation of great musicians. One such young artist, Alessandro Sacchetti, a 15-year old Roman cellist, played with Mr. McDuffie.

Present at the appointment on Capitol Hill were: Svetlana Celli, President of the Capitoline Assembly; Federico Mollicone, President of the Culture Commission of the Chamber of Deputies; Rav Riccardo Di Segni, Chief Rabbi of Rome and member of the RCMF Honorary Committee; Robert McDuffie, Founder and Artistic Director of the Rome Chamber Music Festival; Jacopa Stinchelli, General Director of the Rome Chamber Music Festival Foundation.