World-renowned violinist plays for Rome prisoners

World-renowned violinist Uto Ughi performed with his orchestra for 300 prisoners at Rome's Rebibbia prison on Thursday as part of a wider government plan aimed at improving prisoner conditions in the nation. The performance lasted for more than an hour as the musician sought to satisfy all the different demands arising from the audience. "The concert mirrors the spirit of the measures the government is introducing to boost respect for prisoners' rights", read a message sent by Italian Justice Minister Paola Severino. Ughi's music has "brought a message of hope". "This evening, you filled us with nobility and elegance," a prisoner said to Ughi after the performance. "It didn't free us, but it has made us more noble". Diodato "Uto" Ughi is considered one of Italy's greatest living violinists.