The experimental reproduction of the “Treasure of Domagnano” is the main attraction of the San Marino Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai and it is one of the biggest and spectacular finds from the Ostrogoth era in the world. Its most important piece of craftsmanship is the "Fibula di Domagnano" an elegant brooch in the shape of an eagle, founded in 1893 in the homonym area and dating back to 450 CE, worn by a high lady of the Ostrogoth’s King Theodoric.
This luxurious brooch is a masterpiece of jewelry that is now showcased at Louvre Abu Dhabi and it belongs to the museum’s permanent collection. This masterpiece inspired fourteen UAE students who created a variety of magical performances celebrating the beauty of San Marino Brooch. The project is organized by Louvre Abu Dhabi for its Young Guides Museum Voices with support from Da Coda Musiqaa.
Launched in 2019, the Louvre Young Guides Museum Voices programme had as a primary aim fostering confidence in students and encouraging them to become ambassadors for the museum and the San Marino Brooch, by creating unique and engaging ways to present the artworks using their own voices as Young Guides. Students, aged 8 to 18 years from ADEK & DCT’s Mawhibaty Program for Talented Students in Arts, created vocal and instrumental performances, stories and paintings inspired by this piece of craftsmanship that were presented online due COVID in February 2021. Highlights of the performances include emerging talents in visual and performing arts such as Emirati singer/songwriter Mariam Al Aydaroos’ aptly named song, “San Marino Brooch,” and an original story by Emirati Sara Al Saeedi about an honorable San Marino Princess who was gifted a magnificent gold brooch in return for her generosity and courage.
Da Coda Musiqaa is a community initiative that connects and inspires emerging artists and musicians throughout the UAE by developing and delivering multi-disciplinary, cross-cultural projects that promote creative learning and collaboration. It has partnered with many important institutions such as Jameel Arts Center Dubai, Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi, ADEK and Almaty Kazakh State Philharmonic. Their most recent project, “Mission to Mars Symphony”, is a tribute to the UAE in its 50th year.
Da Coda Musiqaa is currently in the process of organizing for some its members a scholarship in collaboration with San Marino International Music Summer Courses 2022 to strengthen connections between San Marino and UAE which has crystallized in Expo 2020 Dubai under the power of art and music thanks to the Treasure of Domagnano Brooch.
Mawhibaty Program for Talented Students in Arts is a talent development program in the visual and performing arts for students in grades 1 – 12. It is offered by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT).
