The greatest living launeddas player of all time thrilled the oldest university. Alma Mater of Bologna awarded Luigi Lai, the master of San Vito, an honorary degree in Disciplines of Music and Theater.
The ceremony, which began around 4 pm, took place in the Aula Magna of Santa Lucia, and was opened by the admiring greetings of the Magnificent Rector Giovanni Molari who defined Lai as «the living guardian of a musical tradition that has its roots in the most remote past ». Domenico Staiti pronounced the Laudatio and followed by the director of the Department of Arts, Giacomo Manzoli, illustrated the reasons that led to the approval of the conferment proposal. The 90-year-old teacher, visibly moved after the delivery of the parchment, introduced his special doctoral lecture with heartfelt thanks: «Before taking the launeddas, I would like to thank the magnificent Rector, the professors for this great gift you give me, the launeddas and all of Sardinia". Immediately afterwards Luigi Lai played some traditional pieces for about an hour in an atmosphere of silent ecstasy interrupted only by moments of great applause.
«I am very happy to have participated in the award ceremony of the honorary degree above all because I also wore the tricolor sash representing the entire Municipality of Bologna - commented Maria Caterina Manca, president of the municipal council, originally from Nule -. I absolutely wanted to be there and then this thing makes me think beyond rationality because as a Sardinian I participate in the delivery of such an important honorary degree. It is the first time that a musician has been awarded a degree by the Alma Mater. They said some beautiful things about Luigi Lai. The rector explained that it is an inclusive reality and becomes important for Bologna and for the Sardinians because it is a heritage of traditions to be valued". "There were many Sardinians – he underlined -, the organizer of the concert acknowledged that we are a beautiful and large community".
Unibo's tribute to maestro Lai will continue during the evening: at 9 pm, in the Aula Absidale, a concert will be held with Prof. Ignazio Macchiarella (University of Cagliari), with the director Gianfranco Cabiddu and with Paolo Fresu and the musicians of Sonos and memory (Elena Ledda, Mauro Palmas, Gavino Murgia, Federico Sanesi, Marcello Floris)