Italian Inmates Transform Smugglers' Boats into Violins for La Scala Concert

Inmates at Milan's Opera prison crafted stringed instruments from migrant boats' wood, showcasing their work at a renowned opera house.

Inmates from Milan's Opera prison used wood from dilapidated smugglers' boats to create violins, violas, and cellos for the Orchestra of the Sea's debut at Teatro alla Scala.
The project, named Metamorphosis, aims to rehabilitate inmates by teaching them craftsmanship, transforming discarded materials into valuable societal contributions.
Two inmates were granted leave to attend the concert, experiencing a moment of redemption as their creations were played in a program featuring Bach and Vivaldi.
The initiative also serves as a form of therapy for the inmates, allowing them to reflect on their past mistakes and envision a future beyond prison walls.
The House of the Spirit and Arts Foundation hopes the concert will inspire a movement to use music as a bridge over divisions and ideologies, urging politicians to consider the plight of migrants.