This evening the curtain was raised on the programme of celebrations for the NATO Defense College’s 60th Anniversary, with a very successful commemorative concert at the Auditorium of the “Parco della Musica” in Rome.
The concert was attended by the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee (CMC), Admiral Giampaolo Di Paola, together with Ambassadors and Military Attachés from a number of countries. Among the distinguished international audience were military and political dignitaries, who were joined for this special occasion by the entire staff of the NATO Defense College.
In the magnificent setting of the Auditorium’s Sala Petrassi, the Band of the Italian Air Force treated the delighted audience to a repertoire covering a range of classical and jazz music. The Band was led by Patrizio Esposito, who has been its conductor since 1992, and gave full expression to the outstanding musicianship for which it has won acclaim when performing at major State events and at prestigious international venues.
For those attending, the evening was a unique opportunity to enjoy a fitting celebration of the College’s fundamental contribution, during the past sixty years, to the high-level education of military and civilian leaders at Alliance and national level.
The NATO Defense College was founded in 1951, in response to the vision and determination of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the first Supreme Allied Commander Europe, who was quick to identify the need for a new international institution with a unique educational mission. This has been eminently fulfilled over the years by the College’s Senior Courses and also, in more recent years, by its NATO Regional Cooperation Courses and related activities.
The Anniversary celebrations will continue on Thursday 19th and Friday 20th May, culminating in the official ceremony at the NDC on Friday morning, when we will be honoured by the presence of the President of the Italian Republic and the NATO Secretary General.
More about the NDC 60th Anniversary:
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN 
