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New Cultural Events

NEW CULTURAL EVENTS

Jazz Series at the Columbus Centre

  • Wednesday, May 31, 7:30pm

Looking for an unforgettable musical experience?  Join us for our new jazz concert series featuring some of the industry’s most talented and award-winning jazz musicians. We’ve curated a lineup of incredible artists who will transport you to a world of smooth melodies and soulful rhythms.

Francesco Cafiso with Roberto Occhipinti Trio

  • Wednesday, May 31, 7:30pm

Musicians:

Francesco Cafiso – Saxophone
Roberto Occhipinti – Bass
Adrean Farrugia – Piano
Ethan Ardelli – Drums

Price:
$20.00 

Jazz Concert at the Columbus Centre

Location:

Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Columbus Centre

 

Co-presented by Villa Charities and Istituto Italiano di Cultura, with the support of Davies Spina Falquez LLP.

Italian Heritage Month

  • June 1 – June 29, 2023

Experience the vibrant and captivating essence of Italian culture and heritage as the Columbus Centre transforms into a hub of excitement during Italian Heritage Month in June!

 

Villa Charities presents a month-long series of entertaining events, showcasing the artistry and talents of Italian-Canadian performers. Experience engaging cultural programs, art exhibitions, music concerts, literary events, comedy shows, and commemorative gatherings.

 

For detailed information and registration, please visit villacharities.com/ihm.

Italian Heritage Month

Opera è Vita

  • June 20 – December 12, 7:30pm

Explore the captivating world of Italian opera with two of the most accomplished voices on the stage today.

 

International soprano Sara Papini and acclaimed tenor, multi-instrumentalist and composer Romulo Delgado lead this new interactive concert lecture series about Italian opera, featuring live performances, audience participation and special guest appearances.

 

This new series will explore famous composers, legendary singers, and reveal behind-the-scenes secrets including an introduction to vocal technique and the psychology of singing opera.

Luciano Pavarotti: The Voice of Opera (La voce dell’ Opera)  

Romulo Delgado with guest pianist

  • Tuesday, June 20, 7:30pm

A vocal phenomenon in the world of opera, Luciano Pavarotti stands as a legendary singer with an immense personality full of charisma and humanity. Esteemed tenor, composer and multi-instrumentalist, Romulo Delgado along with Sabatino Vacca on piano present this concert lecture with a focus on Pavarotti’s vocal technique.

 

While Pavarotti’s singing has and continues to receive widespread praise from fans and critics alike, can this be solely attributed to genetics? Or was he a consciously competent singer, who over the years acquired an incomparable vocal technique?

Renata Tebaldi: The Voice of an Angel

Sara Papini with guest pianist

  • Thursday, October 19, 7:30pm

The great conductor Toscanini called Italy’s own Renata Tebaldi’s voice “la voce d’angelo” (“the voice of an angel”) and La Scala Music Director Riccardo Muti called her “one of the greatest performers with one of the most extraordinary voices in the field of opera”.

 

Sara Papini takes us on a journey through the life and grace of this remarkable singer and the impact she made on the world of opera. Join us and discover the glories of bel canto, through the reign of this legendary soprano.

How to Conduct Opera

Romulo Delgado with special guest, Maestro Denis Mastromonaco

  • Thursday, November 16, 7:30pm

The conductor on the podium is undoubtedly one of most recognizable figures in classical music and opera. However, what exactly are they doing? How does a conductor translate their vision into glorious sounds?

 

Romulo Delgado is joined by one of Canada’s most experienced conductors, Maestro Denis Mastromonaco and special guests.  This engaging concert lecture will uncover the magic behind those waving hands that can create the beauty, excitement, passion, tragedy, sadness and inspiration that opera has to offer.

Passion for Puccini

Sara Papini & Romulo Delgado with guest pianist

  • Tuesday, December 12, 7:30pm

Giacomo Puccini, regarded as the greatest and most successful composer of Italian opera after Verdi, created masterpieces that are among the most frequently performed and recorded of all operas.
What is it about his music that has an immense ability to reach our deepest emotions?

 

Sara Papini and Romulo Delgado lead this exciting concert lecture, sharing insightful observations on the composer as well as performing some of the most famous arias and duets from his iconic operas.

Price:
$20.00 Adults (Per event)

$15.00 Seniors & Students (Per event)

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Location:
Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Columbus Centre

Taste of Italy

 

A Gastronomic Journey Through the Peninsula

 
Villa Charities’ popular Taste of Italy series continues as we take a gastronomic journey through the Italian peninsula. Indulge in delicious authentic Italian dishes prepared by Executive Chef Luciano Schipano. Savour new flavours each month as we journey through the regions of Italy.

Upcoming Dinners

Taste of Rome

  • Friday, April 21, 7:00pm

 

Antipasto – Starter

Porchetta su Crostone di pane e Pecorino, carciofi saltati e Ricottina su lesso di cicoria

Toasted bread topped with porchetta and pecorino, sautéed artichoke, mini ricotta on steamed dandelion

 

 

Primo – First Course

Tortiglioni al sugo con coda alla vaccinara

Tortiglioni pasta tossed in a slow cooked tomato sauce and oxtail

 

 

Secondo – Entrée

Saltimbocca di vitello con prosciutto e salvia, patate e asparagi

Traditional Prosciutto and Sage Veal Saltimbocca with a side of potato and asparagus

 

 

Dolce – Dessert

Crostata Ricotta e visciole

Roman ricotta tart with cherries

Price:

$100.00 (Per dinner)

(Inclusive of tax and booking fees)

Price includes complimentary wine during dinner service. Additional wine, beer, mixed and soft drinks will be available for an additional cost.

Taste-of-Italy

Location:

Ristorante Boccaccio, Columbus Centre

 

Unassigned tables of 10 guests on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

Photos shown are for illustration purposes only. Dishes and/or ingredients may vary due to availability and are subject to change without notice. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Pasta Making Classes

  • Tuesday, May 16, 6:30pm

Learn how to make fresh pasta and taste it with delicious sauces at the end of each session!

Caffe Cinquecento will be open to purchase wine

and other beverages. If you choose to bring your own bottle of wine, a $5 corkage fee will apply

Semolina Trofie Class

  • Tuesday, May 16, 6:30pm

Learn about making fresh eggless dough including the process beginning from the “well” method, the importance of resting and choosing the right flours. An in depth demonstration of the techniques of making trofie as well as some other dough variations.

 

Final dish: Semolina trofie with pesto sauce.

 

SOLD OUT

Price:
$50.00 (Per event)

Drinks not included.

Pasta making

Location:

Ristorante Boccaccio, Columbus Centre

 

In collaboration with Pastaio.

Ballo Liscio

  • Wednesday, May 17, 6:30pm

Villa Charities continues our popular Ballo Liscio social dancing nights on Wednesday nights at the Columbus Centre.

 

Bring friends, partners, or come on your own and join us as we dance the night away with live musical performances!

A ‘PAY WHAT YOU CAN’ EVENT
(Donations welcome at the door)

Ballo Liscio

Location:

Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Columbus Centre

For more information, please contact:

Edris Osman
Arts & Culture Coordinator
Phone: 416-789-7011 ext. 299
Emailcultural@villacharities.com