Opera in the Italian Cultural Garden Cleveland, OH July 31, 2011
In 1930, the Italian Cultural Garden opened as a "symbol of Italian culture." Sixty-six years ago, the Italian Garden hosted the San Carlo Opera in the lower level amphitheater. In 2008, the Italian Cultural Garden Foundation revived this tradition by presenting Opera in the Garden.
Over 1100 people attended the July 31, 2011 performance by the artists from the Opera Per Tutti Opera Company.
Congratulations to Joyce Mariani, Executive Director of the Italian Cultural Garden Foundation, and her team for this tremendous event.
Joyce Mariani
While the photos and videos below capture some of the event you really need to experience it live. Check out Opera per Tutti's performance schedule and make plans to attend the Opera in the Garden in 2012
The evening began with Mistress of Ceremonies Francesca Mignosa who was born and raised in the cusp of the Mediterranean, in the seaside city of Augusta (Sicily), Italy.
Francesca Mignosa
She welcomed the crowd, thanked benefactors and supporters and introduced Ward 8 City Councilman Jeffrey Johnson.
Ward 8 City Councilman Jeffrey Johnson
The Narrator for the performance was TV personality Jan Jones.
Jan Jones
In this video excerpt, Narrator Jan Jones explains the creation of Opera and its connection to Italy.
The first performance was by Soprano Andrea Anelli of Opera Per Tutti who sang the Casta Diva aria from Vincenzo Bellini's opera Norma.
Soprano Andrea Anelli of Opera Per Tutti
Next Mezzo-soprano Paulette Penzvalto and Baritone Max Pivik of Opera Per Tutti sang La ci darem duet from Mozart's Don Giovanni.
Max Pivik and Paulette Penzvalto
Next, Baritone Benjamin Czarnota of Opera Per Tutti sang Deh, vieni alla finestra from Mozart's Don Giovanni.
Benjamin Czarnota
Soprano Andrea Anelli and Mezzo-soprano Paulette Penzvalto sang Barcarolle from Jacques Offenbach's Tales of Hoffmann.
