Communications

London, 16 July 2007
 
On the evening of Monday 16 July, Finmeccanica was proud to highlight their support for social causes and the arts at an event which showcased the company's consolidation in the UK, the Group's second home market.
 
The UK Secretary of State for Defence, Rt Hon Des Browne MP, was amongst the 300 guests. Finmeccanica representatives, notably including Remo Pertica, Umberto Malusa and Alberto de Benedictis, were also joined by very senior members of the armed forces, Ministers, Members of Parliament and key people from the UK defence and aerospace industry.
 
The evening started with a reception at the London Royal College of Art, with speeches from Alberto de Benedictis, Chief Executive of Finmeccanica UK, Sir Robin Ross of our charity partner, SSAFA Forces Help, and Mr Cagli, Chair of the Santa Cecilia Academy.
 
From the reception, the guests moved over to the London Royal Albert Hall for the evening's performance of the Santa Cecilia Orchestra as part of the BBC Proms series. Guests were entertained by a stunning performance by the Roman orchestra of an Italian repertoire: Berio's Sinfonia followed by Rossini's Stabat Mater.
 
To end the evening, Finmeccanica's guests were lucky enough to meet the conductor, Antonio Pappano, at a reception in the Royal Albert Hall's Elgar Room.
 
Lieutenant General Sir Robin Ross KCB OBE, Chair of SSAFA Forces Help said: "We were delighted to be nominated as Finmeccanica's charity partner for the performance of the Academy of Santa Cecilia at the BBC Proms. I personally am delighted that this high profile and successful event marks a new stage in our relationship with Finmeccanica." He also added "The donation given by Finmeccanica to SSAFA Forces Help will go towards supporting those who serve in the UK Armed Forces, those who used to serve and the families of both. We would not be able to undertake our special type of care without support from organisations such as Finmeccanica and thank them sincerely for their generosity."
 
The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association - SSAFA Forces Help - is the leading UK charity committed to helping and supporting those who serve in UK Armed Forces, those who used to serve, and the families of both. They provide service to more than 50,000 people each year.
 
 
Photos from left, clockwise: Royal Albert Hall; Orchestra; Director Pappano and Amb. Aragona; Def. State Secr. Des Browne; Remo Pertica; Alberto de Benedictis; Amb. Aragona.