Washington - Composer and conductor Gabriele Ciampi directed an exclusive concert at the White House with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in attendance on December 8th. The concert was part of the traditional White House Holiday Tour, an annual event organized by the Presidential family for a select audience. The invitation came directly from the First Lady of the United States and adds another prestigious award to the career of Maestro Gabriele Ciampi. He is the first Italian composer to direct his own music at the White House in the White House Holiday Tour and the first Italian classical / contemporary composer under 40 who has had the honor of performing on this prestigious occasion. "Being the first Italian composer to have performed in the foyer of the White House - said Ciampi - is also an important sign for our country, that we are an example of musical excellence and we should be proud of what we produce artistically. I hope my first experience is just the beginning of something great, and I hope to see many other young Italian artists performing in the most famous House in the world. I thank the First Lady for inviting me and all of the Obama Administration for welcoming me.” (9Colonne)