Aperitivo & Conversation with Maestro Christopher Franklin of MN Opera (15 May 2026)

Fri, 15 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Join us at the Italian Cultural Center for a special evening for ICC members and their guests, featuring prosecco, light bites, and conversation with Maestro Christopher Franklin, Principal Conductor of Minnesota Opera and conductor of their upcoming production, Pagliacci, running May 9 to 17.

This free event offers a rare opportunity to meet the maestro during the run of one of opera’s most powerful and celebrated Italian works, along with a behind-the-scenes conversation about opera, conducting, Italy, and the artistic life.

Maestro Franklin launched his career in Italy, where he continues to live and work, and has built an international reputation for bringing energy, clarity, and artistry to both the concert stage and the opera house. His recent engagements include Otello in Novara and Rovigo, a concert with Juan Diego Flórez in Budapest, and productions at major houses and festivals in Paris, Valencia, Barcelona, Tokyo, Parma, and across Italy.

Join us for a warm, engaging evening of conversation, refreshments, and connection as we celebrate the beauty and power of Italian opera with one of Minnesota Opera’s leading artists.

Space is limited. Registration required.

Inaugural ICC Wine Showdown: Central North vs. Central South (05 Jun 2026)

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

As part of the Italian Cultural Center’s 20th anniversary celebration year, join us for a high-energy wine benefit that is equal parts tasting, storytelling, and friendly competition.

Two Italian wine experts will go head-to-head, each presenting five standout wines and making the case for their side of Italy. Guests will taste along, hear the stories behind each bottle, compare styles and regions, and help decide which lineup wins the crown.

Representing Central North is Stefano Follega, ICC Board Member and wine educator, bringing Roman roots, sommelier training, and signature storytelling to the glass.

Representing Central South is Alfonso Aiello, a Naples native and respected Italian wine curator and educator with deep family winemaking heritage and decades of experience sharing Italian wines in the United States.

Expect bold pours, spirited debate, regional pride, laughter, light bites, and a room full of people who love Italy.

Guests will enjoy tasting pours of all ten wines, light bites, and the opportunity to cast their votes to help decide the winner. Each guest will also take home a Riedel wine glass as a keepsake from ICC’s first annual Wine Showdown.

This is more than a wine tasting. It is a joyful celebration of Italian culture, friendship, and ICC’s 20th anniversary year in the Twin Cities. Proceeds support ICC’s 20th anniversary year and help keep Italian language, culture, and community thriving in the Twin Cities.

Questions? Email ron@theitalianculturalcenter.org or call/text 612-272-5312.

The Italian Cultural Center of Minneapolis/St. Paul upcoming events

Aperitivo & Conversation with Maestro Christopher Franklin of MN Opera (15 May 2026)

Inaugural ICC Wine Showdown: Central North vs. Central South (05 Jun 2026)