In the vibrant city of Milan, a truly uplifting event took place at the Opera prison, where creativity and resilience took center stage. On a beautiful Saturday, inmates crafted musical instruments from the very boats that once carried migrants to Italy’s shores, turning tales of hardship into melodies of hope and transformation.

Renowned conductor Riccardo Muti graciously led the Cherubini Youth Orchestra, showcasing unique violins, violas, and cellos adorned with the faded hues of salvaged wood. Each instrument bore a story, a symbol of the journey towards safety and freedom.

Muti shared, “These instruments are made from the tragic wood of these boats that were trying to bring people to safety and democracy,” highlighting the profound connection between the music and the experiences of those who had once traveled on those boats.

The initiative, known as Metamorphosis, embodies the spirit of renewal, turning what could easily be overlooked into something precious—a transformation of discarded wood into exquisite instruments and inmates into skilled artisans. This project is rooted in the belief that rehabilitation can lead to personal growth and community enrichment.

After the heartwarming performance, Muti reflected on the experience, saying, “Hearing these people, who are here serving their sentences, but who seem so serene and so clearly and openly eager to find a sense of harmony in their lives through music… has been an enrichment of my experience as a musician and as a man.” His words resonate with the profound impact of music as a unifying force.

The Opera prison, home to over 1,400 inmates, including individuals from organized crime backgrounds, serves as a backdrop for this powerful narrative of change. The boats, some still holding fragments of the migrants' belongings, serve as poignant reminders of the many lives affected by the treacherous journey across the Mediterranean.

During this remarkable performance, the orchestra delighted the audience with compositions from celebrated Italian composers such as Antonio Vivaldi and Giuseppe Verdi. The event culminated in a stirring rendition of “Va’ Pensiero,” also known as “The Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves,” featuring talented singers from another Milan institution, San Vittore.

This extraordinary gathering showcases the beauty of transformation, turning pain into art and fostering a spirit of hope for a brighter future.