 Celebrated Italians Cesare Pavese (Sept 9, 1908 – August 27, 1950) was an Italian poet, novelist, literary critic and translator; he is widely considered among the major authors of the 20th century Italy. Giacomo Puccini (Dec 22, 1858 – Nov 29, 1924) was an Italian composer whose operas, including La Bohème, Tosca, and Madama Butterfly, are among the most frequently performed in the standard repertoire. Some of his arias, such as "O Mio Babbino Caro" from Gianni Schicchi, "Che gelida manina" from La Bohème, and "Nessun Dorma" from Turandot, have become part of modern culture. Michelangelo Antonioni was born in Ferrara on September
29th 1912. A director, whose films are regarded as some
of the most influential in film aesthetics. |
Events
Here is a listing of upcoming and past events sponsored or recommended by the Italian Cultural Center. Please check back often for updated information and new event listings. Art and Culture Fall Open House Catch up with old friends and meet new ones over wine and cheese while learning about the programs and resources of the ICC on September 3rd and September 9th, 5:30-7:00 PM (RSVP at admin@theitalianculturalcenter.org).Italian Day at the Mill City Farmers Market Come Saturday, September 13th, 10:00-1:00 and enjoy a food demonstration and live entertainment courtesy of the Italian Cultural Center at the Mill City Farmers Market’s Italian Day. For additional information visit www.millcityfarmersmarket.org.Renaissance Festival Carlo Cicala will be entertaining guests with live story-telling for children and traditional medieval music. September 20th and 21st at 11 AM and 2 PM. Check back for the most current information on the Italian Cultural Center’s participation in the Renaissance Festival.Wine Tasting – With an Italian Accent Savor the flavor of Italian wines and experience the Italian tradition! Before you head to the wine store, enroll in a series of three wine tasting classes. You will get an education about taste, quality, price and geography from the Chianti countryside to the rolling hills of Piedmont . Classes will be taught on October 17th, 24th and 30th by Italian wine connoisseurs – watch for more information. Plus, you will receive an exclusive discount at I Nonni enoteca.Italian Cooking Classes Italian cooking classes were offered in March 2008 in partnership with the U of M Landscape Arboretum. The ICC classes were part of the Arboretum’s demonstration-style series exploring foods and flavors from around the world. Two geographic regions in Italy were featured – Rome and Sardinia. The two Italian chefs used regional menus and brought a cultural prospective to their classes, while using quality locally produced ingredients. Three different wines complemented the menu. For more information call 952-443-1422 or visit http://www.arboretum.umn.edu/italiancuisine.aspxThe Marriage of Figaro: A Light-hearted Look at an Italian Libretto Have you ever wondered about the meaning of all those extra syllables that never appear in the English translation projected above the stage? The Italian Cultural Center will help you discover the answer. Join us for an exploration of the original language of Lorenzo Da Ponte’s libretto, Le Nozze di Figaro, on Thursday, April 26, 2007 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Minnesota Opera Center. After an enlightening introduction to Da Ponte’s background and his pivotal role in Mozart’s career, you will gain new insight into the opera by understanding the sometimes archaic, yet always fresh and elegant language that underscores the complexity of the human condition and the irony of the social and political events of that era. Using scenes from the Metropolitan Opera’s 1985 production, the session will highlight selected arias and provide a framework of time and place to the words themselves. Introduction: Franklin Hugh Adler, De Witt Wallace Professor of Political Science, Macalester College, St. Paul. In addition to the remarkable insight he brings to the political situation of that era, Professor Adler is an Italianist and an expert on opera. He has traveled and studied extensively in Italy, and has been attending performances at the Metropolitan Opera since he was a child. He will bring a rare perspective and depth to the life and accomplishments of the formerly overlooked but now celebrated librettist, Lorenzo Da Ponte. Language guide: Massimo Bonavita, Director of Outreach, Italian Cultural Center, Minneapolis/St. Paul. After spending years focusing on Italian economics and politics in Rome, Massimo Bonavita welcomes the opportunity to provide the linguistic insight of a native Italian, and to share his life-long fascination with Italian language and music. Discover for yourself the power and beauty of the words which inspired Mozart. You will not be lost in translation; instead, you will have a chance to understand the joke that others will miss!To signup please call Jamie Andrews, Community Education Director MN Opera, 612-342-9573 Andrews@Mnopera.org |