Marcello Bedoni, one of Europe’s leading tenors, flew to the UK specially for the cow concert following an invitation from Italian ice cream maker Antonio Federici, which is launching a 100-year-old brand.
The gelato, which goes on sale this month, has been faithfully recreated from a century-old family recipe. Its creator, Antonio Federici, who lived near Portofino on the Italian Riviera, believed that listening to the opera he loved was beneficial to his cows and co-workers.
He was convinced that it stimulated the production of creamier milk and created a happy working environment. He stipulated that opera must be an essential ingredient to the recipe. The recipe, which has been handed down through the generations, has now been passed on to his grandson Frank Frederick.
Frederick said: “My grandfather always sang to the cows before milking, and in our quest to recreate the gelato my brother and I enjoyed as children, we’re sticking faithfully to his recipe. The cows will enjoy the recital and this will be reflected in the quality of the milk they produce for us. The passion of the music will be reflected in the product. We also plan to stage opera performances within the Antonio Federici factory this summer for our workforce, so that everyone enjoys the benefits of this wonderful music.”
Hayley Campbell-Gibbons, dairy adviser to the National Farmers Union, said: “Soothing sounds or music can reduce stress and induce relaxation. A healthy, contented cow is likely to produce more milk, and anything that enhances that can only be a good thing.”
Bedoni said: “I’ve put together a special repertoire for my audience, including soothing arias and Neapolitan songs. I’m steering clear of rousing numbers like Wagner and Carmina Burana!”
Source: Taylor Herring
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