Friends of Florence President Receives U.S. Consulate General in Florence

Florence, Italy… On July 1, 2021, Friends of Florence President Simonetta Brandolini d’Adda received the U.S. Consulate General’s inaugural Award for Cultural Diplomacy. The award recognizes outstanding contributions by American citizens and those with strong U.S. ties to the cultural and intellectual life of Florence. Presented by Consul General Ragini Gupta, the new award recognizes those exemplifying exceptional leadership in enhancing exchange between the United States and Tuscany. Brandolini d’Adda was honored with Maestro Zubin Mehta, former principal orchestra conductor of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino and now Honorary Director for Life, in a ceremony at the U.S. Consulate in Florence. Consul General Gupta established the new award as the country enters a time of new beginnings or the “rinascita” (rebirth) following the tragic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic to thank and acknowledge those who have contributed so much over the years.