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Art & Culture
ARICCIA - Palazzo Chigi: the Lemme Collection; 130 Baroque works by the likes of Cavaliere d'Arpino, Borgognone and Ludovico Gimignani, until February 10.
BELLUNO - Palazzo Crepadona: Titian - The Last Act; also taking place in Palazzo della Magnifica Comunita' di Cadore in Titian's home town of Pieve di Cadore; some 100 pieces from Titian's final years; until January 6.
BERGAMO - Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (GAMeC): The Future of Futurism; 200 works by 120 artists including Giacomo Balla, Carlo Carra' Umberto Boccioni, Gino Severini and Mario Sironi; until February 24.
BRESCIA - Museo di Santa Giulia: America! Painting Stories from the New World; 250 works by the 19th-century artists who opened the world's eyes to the grandeur of the American landscape and life in the West, including Edwin Church, Frederic Remington and Charles Russell; November 24 to May 4.
GENOA - Various venues: The Myth of Garibaldi; five shows and dozens of events until March 2.
MANTUA - San Giorgio Castle: Lucio Fontana Retrospective: 70 sculptures and sketches by the artist who founded Italy's influential Spatialist movement; until January 6.
MILAN - Palazzo Reale: The Art Of Women, 200 works by 110 artists from 16th to 20th centuries including Sofonisba Anguissola, Artemisia Gentileschi, Camille Claudel, Vanessa Bell, Tamara De Lempicka, Frida Kahlo; loans from 14 museums including Prado, Louvre, Uffizi, National Museum of Women in the Arts; December 4-March 9. - same venue: David Lachapelle, 350 works charting career from demi-monde and jet-set snaps to 'message' frescos inspired by Michelangelo's Flood; until January 6.
- Galleria del Gruppo Credito Valtellinese, Stelline Refectory: Last Last Suppers; Warhol's 1986 homage and other works inspired by the Leonardo masterpiece in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church across the street; until February 16.
- Fondazione Mazzotta: Andy Warhol-Joseph Beuys, 30 Warhol works, 40 by Beuys, all inspired by 1980 Campania earthquake; until March 30. - Triennial Gallery: David Lynch, The Air Is On Fire, first Italian look at paintings of eclectic US film-maker and artist including inspirations like Braque, Dubuffet, Hopper; until January 13.
- same venue: The Seventies, A Long Decade in the Short Century; installations on words like Body, Conflict and Demo and symbols like Aldo Moro and Pasolini, plus a wide-ranging look at '70s culture; until March 30.
NAPLES - San Gennaro Museum: never on show before, 700 years of offerings to Naples' patron saint from popes, monarchs, emperors (including Napoleon) and others to build a collection some say is worth more than Britain's crown jewels; the centrepiece, the 17th-century Necklace of San Gennaro, is considered the most precious piece of jewellery in the world; until January 31.
- Capodimonte Museum: Homage to Capodimonte, From Caravaggio to Picasso; 70 masterpieces from private and public galleries in Italy and abroad, including Rubens, Velazquez, de Chirico, Bacon and Basquiat, marking the first 50 years of the famous Neapolitan museum; until January 20.
- Palazzo delle Stelline: Material Thoughts; retrospective on British sculptor Tony Cragg; until November 25.
RIVOLI - Castello: 'Major Exhibition', the largest-ever retrospective of the art world's most famous Anglo-Italian pairing, Gilbert & George; until January 13.
ROME - Scuderie del Quirinale: Pop Art 1956-1968; Italy's first major retrospective on the movement, 90 works by 50 artists including Blake, Rauschenberg, Wesselmann, Lichtenstein and Warhol - as well as Italy's Rotella, Schifano and Ceroli; until January 27.
- Colosseum: In Scaena, 70 ancient Roman theatrical pieces illustrating 900 years of the Roman stage including comic and tragic masks, bronze statuettes, mosaics and terracotta vases; until February 18.
- Villa Borghese: 50 works by Antonio Canova including 16 large marble pieces; the Borghese's own celebrated Pauline Bonaparte sculpture are flanked by an array of masterpieces including The Three Graces from the Hermitage, the Reclining Naiad from New York's Metropolitan Museum, The Sleeping Nymph from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and Love and Psyche from the Louvre; until February 3.
- Palazzo Barberini: Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Paintings; 30 paintings and drawings and a single sculpture which is closely linked to the Baroque artist's personal life; until January 20.
- Vittoriano Complex: The Discovery of Italy (1940-1950); wide-ranging look at Italy recovering from WWII through cinema (neo-realist masterpieces like Sciuscia', La Terra Trema), art (Turcato, Fontana, Guttuso), literature (Pasolini, Malaparte) and fashion; plus contemporary newspapers and politicians' speeches; until January 6. - same venue: Paul Gauguin. Artist of Myth and Dreams; the first solo exhibit Rome has devoted to the French post-Impressionist. 150 paintings on loan from the world's top museums; until February 3.
- Palazzo delle Esposizioni: Mark Rothko retrospective; around 70 paintings loaned by heirs, private collectors and top international museums; until January 6.
VENICE - Palazzo Ducale: Venice And Islam, 300 paintings, glassworks, ceramics, metal objects and precious fabrics showing influences of the two worlds between ninth and 18th centuries; until November 28.
- Museo Correr: Heavenly Spheres, Earthly Spheres; 142 works in first-ever show on planetary and terrestrial globes fashioned between 16th and 19th centuries, including Italian cartographer Livio Sanudo's extremely rare 1550 mounted model of world, until recently thought lost; until February 29.
VOLTERRA - Palazzo dei Priori: The Etruscans At Volterra, Masterpieces From Great European Museums; jewels, funerary urns, statues, coins and tomb decorations on loan from the Vatican Museums and other top European museums including the Louvre; until January 8. -
Facts & Stories
Recent rumors that Pope Benedict XVI was planning to travel to the U.S. were confirmed when the Vatican said he had accepted an invitation from the U.N. to address the General Assembly. According to the official schedule the pope is confirmed to arrive at the Andrews Air Force base in Maryland on April 15 and leave from New York on April 20. The trip will come exactly three years after Benedict's election and will be his eighth official journey abroad.
On April 16, he will meet President Bush in Washington. The day after, the pope is scheduled to say mass in Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. and meet students and professors from the city's Catholic University. He will then fly to New York where he will address the U.N. General Assembly. Benedict XVI will say mass in St Patrick's cathedral, visit Ground Zero, and say mass at the Yankee Stadium, before flying back to Rome.
Announcing details of Benedict's American visit to U.S. bishops in Baltimore, the Holy See's nuncio in the U.S., Archbishop Pietro Sambi, said he hoped it would bring a "new spring to the Church in America."
The visit comes at a difficult moment for the U.S. Catholic Church. In past years a series of reports exposed widespread allegations of sex abuse by clergy, as well as efforts by the Catholic Church hierarchy to cover it up. These reports triggered a chain reaction and thousands of victims of clergy sex abuse around the country went public and filed suit, creating a scandal that rocked American Catholicism and has cost the Catholic Church more than $1 billion.
According to some analysts, the pope's visit seven months before U.S. presidential elections could influence the outcome. Reaching out to mass-attending Catholics will not be easy in 2008. Rudolph Giuliani, provided he wins the GOP nomination, is Italian/American and Catholic, but he is also divorced, and pro-choice. The Democrat's front runner Hillary Clinton, on the other hand, has a vigorous social justice agenda that could appeal to many Catholics. In this context, if Benedict XVI's visit galvanizes the Catholic electorate their vote might become a serious issue. -
Life & People
This program is a work in progress: send us your links to YouTube videos and we’ll examine them for inclusion ([email protected]).
TO WATCH THE PROGRAM click here
or go to Multimedia > Society > Immigration
The program is made of three parts:
1. SOLIDARITY
The first part contains four videos. Two of them (Africa’s Grand Hotel in Milan and Squatting in the Fashion City) describe immigrant life in Milan, the ‘Fashion City’ also dubbed sometimes Italy’s Moral Capital. Both videos show the situation of illegal African immigrants living in a former military establishment in Viale Forlanini. Both videos are produced by La Svolta Umanista, a social organization that manages a “neighborood TV” netcasted via YouTube.
The third video (From Eritrea to Lampedusa: A Tragic Journey) was shot by Italy’s Erietinet TV Eritrea in August 2006, when dozens of illegal immigrants – mostly Eritrean – reached the tiny Sicilian island of Lampedusa. Several were reported missing. Many of tham were Eritrean people.
The last video in this section features life in an immigrants’ camp near Gliugliano, a town on the outskirts of Naples. The camp is a modern, sunny inferno for Slavs, Romanians, Gypsies, Africans... A reportage by Nicola Angrisano, founder of the independent web-television insu^TV.
2. REJECTION
Here three videos have been selected. Rome as Calcutta: Let’s Free Ourselves of These People..., was shot by the Circolo Roma Liberale, a grassroots organization affiliated with Berlusconi’s right-wing party Forza Italia. It features a seriously handicapped Asian beggar whose disturbing appearance disrupts a quiet, sunny day in Rome’s historic center. One comment on the YouTube page for this video demands punishment for “those who bring these poveracci in our city.”
In the following video (They Invade Rome and Terrorize Our Neighborhood at Night) an exasperated young father denounces Romanian gypsies who “park themselves under these bridges, undisturbed, and during the night come and steal from my store...”
Finally comes Basta! Italy Belongs to Italians – a collection of anti-immigrant posters, leaflets and pictures used by Italy’s political movement Lega Nord and other minor right-wing organizations to demand the expulsion of ‘zingari’ (gypsies) – who are associated with theft and rape...
3. MEMORY
The last part has three videos by American or Italian American YouTube users. The Struggle of Boston’s Italian Immigration is a National History Day Documentary about the many hardships faced by Boston’s Italian immigrants at the turn of last century. Created by three young people (Daniel Masciari, Nick Frigo and Seamus Rushe), it is based on archive material and interviews.
No Italians Wanted features excerpts from a one-man show by San Francisco performer Tommi Avicolli Mecca. “Contrary to popular belief, no immigrants were ever welcomed to America,” he says. “Like the Irish and Eastern Europeans, Italians weren’t considered white. The best way I know how to deal with all this is through satire.”
Questo paese è "stranzo"! is a project by Alyssa Shea for her high school Italian class. It illustrates the adventures and misfortunes of an Italian family emigrating to the U.S. in the 1920s. Despite its somehow unsure Italian, this project captures the difficulty of settling down in a culturally different and even hostile environment.
Last comes a clip we extracted from Pane e cioccolata (1973), where the popular actor Nino Manfredi plays an illegal Italian immigrant in Switzerland who is questioned by the police and confronts not only stereotypes and prejudices, but a clash between different cultures and habits... When the police commissioner “accuses” him of being Italian, Manfredi ironically answers, “Nobody’s perfect!”. In another scene Manfredi is accused by the same commissioner to have committed obscene acts in public. He had actually relieved himself in a street, against a wall. But the poor guy doesn’t get it – “Why, is it forbidden?”, he answers bewildered. As a result, he gets fired from his job as a waiter and another illegal immigrant, a Turk, gets his post.
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Facts & Stories
Roma. Ad un mese dal lancio di i-Italy, il 31 ottobre scorso Rai international ha dedicato metà del suo programma "Sportello Italia" alla presentazione del progetto EUSIC e del nostro portale informativo e culturale. In studio a Roma era presente il direttore del progetto Eusic (Empowerment of the US-Italian Community) prof. Patrizio Di Nicola, direttore del progetto e docente del Dipartimento di Sociologia e Comunicazione dell'Università di Roma "La Sapienza". In collegamento dal J.D. Calandra Italian/American Institute della City University di New York, la giornalista di Amercia Oggi Letizia Airos, membro della redazione di i-Italy.
Il programma, che vi riproponiamo qui integralmente, ha spiegato le origini del progetto Eusic, ha descritto l'attività della redazione di i-Italy ed ha affrontato la questione della sopravvivenza di questa iniziativa al di là della fase di start-up, che terminerà nella prossima primavera.
Il prof. Di Nicola ha affermato che il successo del progetto pone all'ordine del giorno la questione della sua continuazione, in forme ancora da definirsi, ed ha accennato a colloqui in atto in tal senso presso il Ministero degli Esteri.
Letizia Airos ha descritto l'attività dei due siti gemelli: www.i-italy.us, la community aperta a tutti e che conta già quasi 150 iscritti attivi e il network editoriale www.i-italy.org, che viaggià sui 15.000 hits ed ha già 3.000 utenti unici che lo hanno visitato.
Il portale è stato inaugurato il 2 ottobre scorso nel corso di una affollatissima conferenza tenuta presso la Graduate School of Journalism della City University of New York. Erano presenti il Console Generale d'Italia a New York, Francesco Maria Talò, il Presidente dell'Italian American Committee on Education Berardo Paradiso, il Dean del J.D. Calandra Italian American Institute Anthony Tamburri, anch'egli membro della redazione di i-Italy.
In meno di un mese dal lancio, i-Italy ha raggiunto un numero di utenti e collaboratori notevole non solo per quantità ma anche per qualità. Tra i collaboratori che hanno proprio rublriche fisse nella sezione "Bloggers" del nostro sito figurano, tra gli altri, studiosi italo/americani come Anthony Tamburri, Robert Viscusi, Fred Gardaphe, Peter Carravetta, Stanton Burnett ed altri.
Nella sezione "Community" del portale, raggiungibile anche indipendentemente all'indirizzo www.i-italy.us, decine di utenti, soprattutto giovani, stanno cominciando a familiarizzare tra loro, pubblicare propri contributi e discutere dei temi più diversi.
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Art & Culture
October 29, 2007 (Monday) 8:00 am
Free Mammograms – Sponsored by Council Member James VaccaAn opportunity for underinsured women to get their yearly mammogram. Please call to make an appointment.
Sponsored by the American-Italian Cancer Foundation.
985 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx
Admission: free
Contact: Women’s Outreach Network (800) 564-6868
October 29, 2007 (Monday) 12:15 pm
Discovering the Regions of ItalyTravelogues will highlight several regions in Italy for planning a trip or reliving a past experience, Florence and Rome are the cities that will be highlighted. Sponsored by the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, Queens College/CUNY.
Queens College
65-30 Kissena Blvd. Flushing
Admission: free
Contact: Joseph Grosso (718) 997-5769
October 29, 2007 (Monday) 12:15 pm
Fellini’s 8 1/2Federico Fellini’s great comic fantasy in the genre of autographic filmmaking. The movie director (Marcello Mastroianni), at the peak of his career, is unable to find inspiration to begin a new production. He escapes from the pressures of reality and retreats to the safety of his personal fantasies, where he finds the true meaning of life.
Sponsored by the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, Queens College/CUNY.
Queens College
65-30 Kissena Blvd. Flushing
Admission: free
Contact: Joseph Grosso (718) 997-5769
October 29, 2007 (Monday) 1:30 pm
Classic Italian Film Comedies
Film showing of CIAO PROFESSORE, a Lina Wertmuller film describing teacher/student relationships/problems in
Southern Italy...delightful human interest film. Discussion led by Irene Porco
Sponsored by Harborfields Public Library.
Harborfields, Long Island
31 Broadway, Greenlawn, N. Y. 11740
Admission: free
Contact: Irene Porco Eckert (631) 423-2313
[email protected]October 29, 2007 (Monday) 6:00 pm
A Prince Named TotòInauguration of the exhibit displaying more than 50 documents including original film posters, manuscripts and personal photographs coming directly from the De Curtis family archive, that reveal the entire creative spectrum of a genius named Antonio De Curtis a.k.a. Totò, Screen and Stage Actor, Composer and Poet. Curated by Diana De Curtis, Toto’s granddaughter, and Laura Caparrotti. Followed by the screening of Are We Men or Corporals? (Siamo uomini o caporali?) by Camillo Mastrocinque, cowritten by Totò. The series is presented in conjunction with 41° Parallelo Film Festival.
Sponsored by New York University Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò.
Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò
24 West 12th Street, Manhattan
Admission: free
Contact: (212) 998-8739
http://www.nyu.edu/pages/casaitaliana
October 29, 2007 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Gian Antonio Stella presents his latest book: La casta (Rizzoli 2007)This is part of Settimana della Lingua Italiana nel mondo.
Italian Cultural Institute
686 Park Avenue, Manhattan
Contact: (212) 879-4242, ext.376
http://www.iicnewyork.esteri.it
October 29, 2007 (Monday) 7:00 pm
Professor Joseph TusianiThe Montfort Academy is proud to continue The Lawrence E. Auriana Distinguished Speaker Series with International Classicist and Latin Scholar Professor Joseph Tusiani, “Rident stolidi verba Latina” Beyond Romance: Why Latin Lives and Still is the Lingua Franca. A wine and cheese reception will follow Professor Tusiani’s talk. Please RSVP.
The Montfort Academy
99 Valley Road, Katonah
Contact: (914) 767-0325
http://www.themontfortacademy.org
October 30, 2007 (Tuesday) 6:00 pm
Special Halloween BanquetEnjoy an evening of tricks and treats as you dine, and don’t forget your costume! Costume attire.
Italian Culinary Center
302 Fifth Avenue at 31st Street, ninth floor, Manhattan
Admission: $100Contact: (212) 725-8764 ext. 15
http://www.italiancookingandliving.com
October 30, 2007 (Tuesday) 6:30 pm
Alessandro Piperno participates in “Europeans Behaving Badly”Within the “New Literature from Europe” project, together with four other writers. Presented by Czech Cultural Center, Goethe Institute, Cervantes Institute, Cultural Services of the Embassy of France. This is part of Settimana della Lingua Italiana nel mondo.
Instituto Cervantes
Contact: (212) 308-7720 ext. 119
October 30, 2007 (Tuesday) 7:30 pm
“Garibaldino” – The Essence of Giuseppe Garibaldi
Cultural presentation focusing on the Man, Adventurer and Hero of the two Worlds, by Ben V. Scannella, Italian American Professor and Editor of L’Esperienza Magazine.Sponsored by the Italian Cultural Society at Farmingdale.
Ellsworth Allen Park Pavilion
Motor Avenue, Farmingdale
Admission: free
Contact: Louise Lagatta (516) 822-3461
October 30, 2007 (Thursday) 7:30 pm
A Literary EveningPaola Corso, author of Giovann’s, Patricia Santangleo, co-editor of Lucky Corner by Betty Santangelo and Porf. Paolo Palombo will highlight the literary accomplishement of these remarkable women. Refreshments will be served.
Enrico Fermi Cultural Center, Belmont Branch of the New York Public Library
Admission: Free
610 East 186th Street, Bronx
Contact: Frances Fusco (718) 590-5665
October 31, 2007 (Wednesday) 11:15 am
Enrico Caruso: Voice of the Century – Italian Cultural FilmThis documentary, produced in 2001 for Biography by A&E Television Networks, profiles the life of this legendary tenor from his birth in Naples in 1873 through his career with the Metropolitan Opera House. Rare footage and exclusive interviews go beyond the myths to bring his story to life.
Sponsored by the Italian Club of Westchester Community College.
Westchester Community College, Classroom Building, Room 100
75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla
Admission: free
Contact: Prof. Carlo Sclafani (914) 606-6790
October 31, 2007 (Wednesday) 12:15 to1:30 pm
A Feast of Tongues: Italy’s Literary DialectsPresident Muyskens warmly invites all students, faculty and staff to the second Presidential Roundtable of the semester. Professor Hermann Haller, Queens College European Languages & Literature will examine Italy’s unique literary treasures which exist in a myriad of dialects from many places rich in cultural and linguistic diversity. Originating in the Renaissance, dialect literature has experienced a revival in recent decades, while spoken dialects are losing ground in form and use. Lovers of language and literature will enjoy this Roundtable. Bring your own lunch. Cookies and refreshments will be provided. Q & A to follow discussion. Please RSVP by Monday, October 29 to the Events Office at ext. 7-5559 or by e-mail to [email protected]. Please indicate “Haller Roundtable.”
Queens College
Q-Side Lounge in Dining Hall (formerly F&S Lounge)
Admission: free
October 31, 2007 (Wednesday) 6:00 pm
Hands-on-Class: Gnocchi NightLearn how to make a variety of gnocchi dishes from scratch. Casual attire.
Italian Culinary Center
302 Fifth Avenue at 31st Street, ninth floor, Manhattan
Admission: $95Contact: (212) 725-8764 ext. 15
http://www.italiancookingandliving.com
October 31, 2007 (Wednesday) 10:00 am, 3:00 pm, 8:30 pm
ITALICS, The Italian American MagazineITALICS, monthly Italian American TV magazine program focuses on many of the events that comprise the Italian Heritage and Culture Month 2007 celebrations. Hosted by Dr. Anthony Julian Tamburri, Dean, John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, Queens College/CUNY.
Sponsored by the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, Queens College/CUNY and CUNY-TV.
CUNY TV channel 75 - Time Warner Cable; channel 77 - RCN TV
Contact: William Schempp (212) 642-2044
Conferences
November 1 – 3, 2007
American Italian Historical Association (AIHA)The 40th Annual Conference of the American Italian Historical Association will taker place in Denver, Colorado at the Adam's Mark Hotel and the Denver Public Library
For more information, consult the following website: http://www.aihaweb.org
November 3, 2007 (Saturday) 10:00 am
Ellis Island - Conference on History of Sicilian Emigration to the United StatesPresentations and commentaries will be given by representatives of the region of Sicily and U.S. political figures. Featuring ceremonies inaugurating the Ellis Island Exhibition: Sicilian Crossing and Derived Communities. A display of 104 panel posters depicting the history of Sicilian emigration. Exhibition opening is at 12:30 pm in the Dormitory Gallery, 3rd floor. Wine tasting by Istituto Siciliano della Vite del Vino at 1:00 pm in the Conference Room, 3rd floor. There will be a screening of Nuovomondo by Emanuele Crialese at 2:00 pm in Theatre 1, discussed by the director and Prof. Marcello Saija, University of Messina. Organized by Regione Siciliana, On. Dott. Santi Formica; avv. Giovanni Bologna; ing. Michele Augugliaro and Prof. Marcello Saija. Co sponsors: Stony Brook University-Center for Italian Studies; Order Sons of Italy in America, The Garibaldi Meucci Museum; Università di Messina and Filicudi Associates.
November 5, 2007 (Monday) 6:00 pm
“Prisoners in Paradise”Directed by Camilla Calamandrei. During World War II more than 51,000 Italian soldiers were brought to the United States as prisoners of war. This documentary traces the previously untold story of these young men, their romances and friendships with American women, and their significant but unrecognized contribution to the Allied war effort. Including rare period footage of POW camps. Ultimately the film offers a provocative meditation on the meaning of national identity in times of peace and war. Post-screening discussion with the director led by Peter Vellon, Queens College. Light refreshments will be served. Seating is limited. This is part of the Film and Video Series: Documented Italians.
Sponsored by the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, Queens College/CUNY, CUNY TV with a generous grant from the National Italian American Foundation.
CUNY Graduate Center
365 Fifth Avenue, between 34th and 35th Streets, Suite 1400, Manhattan
Admission: free (registration is required)
Contact: (212) 642-2094
www.qc.edu/calandra
November 7, 2007 (Wednesday) 6:00 pm
Luigi Fontanella Reads from Land of Time: Selected Poems 1972-2003Luigi Fontanella moves between countries as an Italian who has lived in the United States for many years but returns often to his native land. In this collection, he draws on his experience in both countries. Fontanella’s poetry is rooted in both a profound critical awareness of the labor of poetry and a wide embrace of life’s labors and joys. Light refreshments will be served. Seating is limited. This is part of the Writers Read Series.
Sponsored by the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, Queens College/CUNY.
25 West 43rd Street, 17th floor, between 5th and 6th Avenues, Manhattan
Admission: free (registration is required)
Contact: (212) 642-2094
November 8, 2007 (Thursday) 7:00 pm
Reading and Book Signing
Bordighera Poetry Prize • Sonia Raiziss-Giop Charitable FoundationBook presentation of the 2006 winner, Emily Ferrara” The Alchemy of Grief (2007), translated into Italian by Sabine Pascarelli as L’alchemia del dolore. Also present will be the 2007 winner. The Bordighera Poetry Prize is generously sponsored by the Sonia Raiziss-Giop Charitable Foundation. Reading, reception, and book signing.
Sponsored by Bordighera Press.
Calandra Institute, Queens College/CUNY
25 West 43rd Street, 17th floor, New York, NY 10036
Admission: free
Contact: Daniela Gioseffi (718) 643-3837
www.italianamericanpoets.com
November 1, 2007 (Thursday) 5:00 pm
Sumptuous Sicilian Specialties – Italian Pastry MakingHands on cooking and dining experience with Giovanna Bellia La Marca author of Sicilian Feasts. Prepare anise biscotti, zeppole, cassata Siciliana, then indulge your sweet tooth as you share the sweets with the class.
Sponsored by the College of Saint Elizabeth.
2 Convent Road, Morristown, New Jersey
Admission: $49 (code: 286)
Contact: (973) 443-9222
http://www.cse.edu
http://www.theadultschool.org
November 1, 2007 (Thursday) 6:30 pm
Major Dominic S. Gentile – World War IILearn about why Gen. Eisenhower called Major Dominick S. Gentile a one man air force. Enjoy a four-course meal.
Sponsored by the Circolo da Vinci Italian-American Organization.
Miraggio’s Restaurant
Triangle Shopping Center, Yorktown Heights
Admission: $30
Contact: Dorothea LaScala (914) 245-2316
November 1, 2007 (Thursday) 8:00 pm
Giuseppe GaribaldiLecture by Carolyn Balducci.
Sponsored by the Italian American Lecture Series/Hofstra.
Cultural Center Theater, Hofstra University
Hempstead
Admission: free
Contact: Stanislao Pugliese (516) 463-5611
November 1 and 3, 2007
Another Night of Opera! Wine and Food Pairing from VeniceLauren Ciardullo returns to host a theatrical collage of Italian music, opera and culture entitled, “Vissi D;Arte” (Live for Art). Maestro Roberto Merelli from Venice is one of a few remaining artists to still paint “en plain air” and is well known as a painter of Venetian panoramas and drawings.
Sponsored by FIERI Bronx Westchester.
One Generoso Pope Place, Tuckahoe
November 2, 2007 (Friday) 6:00 pm
The Sea of the “Terze pagine”Conversation with Gloria Satta, Il Messaggero; Luigi Saitta, TG1; Riccardo Chiaberge, Il Sole 24 ore. This is part of Settimana della Lingua Italiana nel mondo.
Italian Cultural Institute
686 Park Avenue, Manhattan
Contact: (212) 879-4242, ext.365
http://www.iicnewyork.esteri.it
November 2, 2007 (Friday) 6:30 pm
La Dolce VitaScreening and interpretation of the profound film by the legendary director Federico Fellini in the greatest period of his career. Starring Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg. Professor Giuseppe Spedaliere from White Plains High School will engage the audience in a discussion of the film and a special reception will be offered during intermission. The film is in Italian with English subtitles.
Sponsored by the Westchester Italian Cultural Center.
One Generoso Pope Place, Tuckahoe
Admission: Members $20; Non-members $25
Contact: Geoffrey Claroni (914) 771-9119
http://www.wiccny.org
November 2, 2007 (Friday) 8:00 pm
La Traviate by Giuseppe VerdiOpening night. There is also a complimentary pre-curtain talk by Maestro Joseph Pucciatti at 7:00 pm with fascinating background information about Alexandre Dumas, Marie Duplessis, Giuseppe Verdi and La Traviata.
Sponsored by Boheme Opera New Jersey.
Richardson Auditorium
Contact: LaTanya McNeil (609) 581-7200
http://www.bohemeopera.com
November 2, 3, 4, 2007 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30 pm
Sedotta e Abbandonata (Seduced and Abandoned)This is part of the Pietro Germi film series presented at the Napoli Mediterraneo-New York USA 41° Parallelo Film Festival.
Film Forum
209 West Houston Street, Manhattan
http://www.napolifilmfestival.com
http://www.filmforum.org
November 3, 2007 (Saturday) 10:00 am
Ellis Island - Conference on History of Sicilian Emigration to the United StatesPresentations and commentaries will be given by representatives of the region of Sicily and U.S. political figures. Featuring ceremonies inaugurating the Ellis Island Exhibition: Sicilian Crossing and Derived Communities. A display of 104 panel posters depicting the history of Sicilian emigration. Exhibition opening is at 12:30 pm in the Dormitory Gallery, 3rd floor. Wine tasting by Istituto Siciliano della Vite del Vino at 1:00 pm in the Conference Room, 3rd floor. There will be a screening of Nuovomondo by Emanuele Crialese at 2:00 pm in Theatre 1, discussed by the director and Prof. Marcello Saija, University of Messina. Organized by Regione Siciliana, On. Dott. Santi Formica; avv. Giovanni Bologna; ing. Michele Augugliaro and Prof. Marcello Saija. Co sponsors: Stony Brook University-Center for Italian Studies; Order Sons of Italy in America, The Garibaldi Meucci Museum; Università di Messina and Filicudi Associates.
November 3, 2007 (Saturday) 10:00 am
Tour of Ellis IslandCeremonies inaugurating the Ellis Island Exhibition: Sicilian Crossing and Derived Communities. A display of 104 panel posters depicting the history of Sicilian emigration. Presentations and commentaries by representatives of the region of Sicily and U.S. political figures. Price includes coach and boat to Ellis Island.
Departure at 8:30 am from Westchester Community College, Parking Lot 1, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla
Admission: $35
Contact: Prof. Carlo Sclafani (914) 606-6790
November 3, 2007 (Saturday) 10:00 am
Ellis IslandCeremonies inaugurating the Ellis Exhibition: Sicilian Crossing and Derived Communities. A display of 104 panel posters depicting the history of Sicilian emigration. Presentations and commentaries by representatives of the region of Sicily and U.S. political figures. The Center for Italian Studies, as a co-sponsor of this event, has arranged for transportation to and from this event. Bus pick up from three Long Island points: Middle Country Library Parking Lot, 101 Eastwood Blvd, Centereach at 6:30 am; LIE Park and Ride Lot on Commack Road at 6:50 am; and Nassau County’s Christopher Morley Park Entrance Lot at 7:30 am.
Admission: $35
Contact: (631) 632-7444
http://www.italianstudies.org
November 3, 2007 (Saturday) 12:30 pm
IAWC Book Club LuncheonBook club selection: Their Other Side, Six American Women & the Lure of Italy by Helen Barolini.
Sponsored by the Italian American Women’s Center, Inc.
Epiphany Restaurant
284 Glen Street, Glen Cove
Admission: $26
Contact: Connie DeCaro (516) 759-2199
November 4, 2007 (Sunday) 3:00 pm
Buon Compleanno Coro d’Italia!The Coro d’Italia Singing and Dancing Ensemble will be celebrating its seventy-fifth anniversary with a gala concert featuring an array of classic, folk and popular songs, regional dances and costuming. The Coro is America’s longest established ensemble dedicated solely to the Italian American musical tradition.
The Van Fossen Theater
447 Franklin Avenue, Bloomfield, New Jersey
Admission: $20, $15 – Senior Citizens, Students, Children
Contact: Della Romano (973) 743-0257
November 4, 2007 (Sunday) 3:00 pm
“International Opera and Song Festival”Regina Opera soloists will perform selections in many languages.
Sponsored by the Regina Opera Company.
Regina Hall
Corner of 65th Street and 12th Avenue, Brooklyn
Admission: $10; Teens - $5; Children - free
Contact: (718) 232-3555
http://www.reginaopera.org
November 4, 2007 (Sunday) 5:00 pm
Contemporary Trends in Italian TheaterA journey through the different types of performances offered on the Italian stage: entertainment, new Italian plays, experimental theatre, works in dialect, musicals and operettas. A presentation with images and short readings of recent theatrical works, pictures of theatre halls, actors, playwrights, will be presented by Alberto Bentivoglio, professor at Milan Università degli Studi, curator of iconographic exhibition at Museo del Teatro at La Scala Theatre in Milan.
Sponsored by Dorothea’s House, Casa di Cultura Italiana.
120 John Street, Princeton, New Jersey
Admission: free
Contact: Joe Casalaina
November 5, 2007 (Monday) 3:10 and 7:00 pm
Il Cammino Della Speranza (The Way of Hope)This is part of the Pietro Germi film series presented at the Napoli Mediterraneo-New York USA 41° Parallelo Film Festival.
Film Forum
209 West Houston Street, Manhattan
http://www.napolifilmfestival.com
http://www.filmforum.org
November 5, 2007 (Monday) 1:20, 5:10, 9:00 pm
Il Brigante di Tacca Del LupoThis is part of the Pietro Germi film series presented at the Napoli Mediterraneo-New York USA 41° Parallelo Film Festival.
Film Forum
209 West Houston Street, Manhattan
http://www.napolifilmfestival.com
http://www.filmforum.org
November 5, 2007 (Monday) 6:00 pm
“Prisoners in Paradise”Directed by Camilla Calamandrei. During World War II more than 51,000 Italian soldiers were brought to the United States as prisoners of war. This documentary traces the previously untold story of these young men, their romances and friendships with American women, and their significant but unrecognized contribution to the Allied war effort. Including rare period footage of POW camps. Ultimately the film offers a provocative meditation on the meaning of national identity in times of peace and war. Post-screening discussion with the director led by Peter Vellon, Queens College. Light refreshments will be served. Seating is limited. This is part of the Film and Video Series: Documented Italians.
Sponsored by the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, Queens College/CUNY, CUNY TV with a generous grant from the National Italian American Foundation.
CUNY Graduate Center
365 Fifth Avenue, between 34th and 35th Streets, Suite 1400, Manhattan
Admission: free (registration is required)
Contact: (212) 642-2094
www.qc.edu/calandra
November 5, 2007 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Sacco and Vanzetti
In 1920, Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, two poor Italian laborers, were accused of robbing a Boston shoe factory, killing its paymaster and clerk. After a prolonged trial and an appeals process filled with ethnic and political bias, the two were executed, creating one of the greatest controversies of our age. Peter Miller’s film reinvestigates the case with a cool eye as it offers a shattering and unexpected set of conclusions. Film director Peter Miller will be present to discuss his film.
Sponsored by La Motta Chair in Italian Studies, Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University, Walsh Library, Beck Rooms
400 South Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ
Admission: free
Contact: Barbara Ritchie (973) 275-2967
[email protected]November 5, 2007 (Monday) 7:30 pm
AIDA by Giuseppe VerdiPrice includes ticket to the opera and round-trip transportation from Westchester Community College. Departure is at 5:30 pm from Parking Lot 1, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla.
Sponsored by the Italian Club of Westchester Community College.
Admission: $85
Contact: Prof. Carlo Sclafani (914) 606-6790
November 5, 2007 (Monday) 7:30 pm
Dolce Vita, Addio?Lecture by Stefano Vaccara of the US/Italian Daily America Oggi will take a look at contemporary Italy through an analysis of the political, social and economic events that occurred in the country after World War II until the creation of the European Union. The journalist’s insights will challenge the audience to decide whether the famous Italian lifestyle portrayed in the film La Dolce Vita still exists today in Italy. A special reception will follow the lecture.
Sponsored by the Westchester Italian Cultural Center.
One Generoso Pope Place, Tuckahoe
Admission: Members $20; Non-members $25
Contact: Geoffrey Claroni (914) 771-9119
http://www.wiccny.org
November 5, 2007 (Monday) 7:30 pm
AIDA by Giuseppe VerdiPrice includes ticket to the opera and round-trip transportation from Westchester Community College. Departure is at 5:30 pm from Parking Lot 1, Westchester Community College, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla.
Sponsored by the Italian Club of Westchester Community College.
Metropolitan Opera House
Manhattan
Admission: $85 (Balcony seats)
Contact: Prof. Carlo Sclafani (914) 606-6790
November 6, 2007 (Tuesday) 1:00, 5:25, 9:50 pm
Il Ferroviere (The Railroad Man)This is part of the Pietro Germi film series presented at the Napoli Mediterraneo-New York USA 41° Parallelo Film Festival.
Film Forum
209 West Houston Street, Manhattan
http://www.napolifilmfestival.com
http://www.filmforum.org
November 6, 2007 (Tuesday) 3:10 and 7:35 pm
Luomo di Paglia (The Straw Man)This is part of the Pietro Germi film series presented at the Napoli Mediterraneo-New York USA 41° Parallelo Film Festival.
Film Forum
209 West Houston Street, Manhattan
http://www.napolifilmfestival.com
http://www.filmforum.org
November 6, 2007 (Tuesday) 6:00 pm
Chef’s NightChef demonstration with Vittorio Aconi from Vittorio’s Ristorante, Hamilton, New Jersey. Business attire.
Italian Culinary Center
302 Fifth Avenue at 31st Street, ninth floor, Manhattan
Admission: $85Contact: (212) 725-8764 ext. 15
http://www.italiancookingandliving.com
November 6, 2007 (Tuesday) 6:00 pm
The Adventures of GaribaldiA TV Interview. Prof. Vito De Simone interviews Anthony Di Perno on his recently published book on Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Sponsored by the Association of Italian American Educators.
In Brooklyn – BCAT: Channels 35 & 36
Contact: Vito De Simone (516) 466-6352
November 7, 2007 (Wednesday) 11:15am
Fairy Tales, Barons and Crossed Destinies: Italo Calvino and Post-Modern European FictionProf. Manichiello will speak on Italo Calvino’s considerable contributions to modern literature.
Sponsored by the Italian Club of Westchester Community College.
Westchester Community College, Classroom Building, Room 100
75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla
Admission: free
Contact: Prof. Carlo Sclafani (914) 606-6790
November 7, 2007 (Wednesday) 12:00 pm
Luncheon in ItalianBrush up on your Italian, meet new people and enjoy great food. Casual attire.
Italian Culinary Center
302 Fifth Avenue at 31st Street, ninth floor, Manhattan
Admission: $45Contact: (212) 725-8764 ext. 15
http://www.italiancookingandliving.com
November 7, 2007 (Wednesday) 3:00 pm
The Adventures of GaribaldiA TV Interview. Prof. Vito De Simone interviews Anthony Di Perno on his recently published book on Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Sponsored by the Association of Italian American Educators.
In Brookhaven: Channel 20
Contact: Vito De Simone (516) 466-6352
November 7, 2007 (Wednesday) 3:00 and 7:10 pm
Un Maledetto Imbroglio (The Facts of Murder)This is part of the Pietro Germi film series presented at the Napoli Mediterraneo-New York USA 41° Parallelo Film Festival.
Film Forum
209 West Houston Street, Manhattan
http://www.napolifilmfestival.com
http://www.filmforum.org
November 7, 2007 (Wednesday) 1:00, 5:10, 9:20 pm
In Nome della Legge (In the Name of the Law)This is part of the Pietro Germi film series presented at the Napoli Mediterraneo-New York USA 41° Parallelo Film Festival.
Film Forum
209 West Houston Street, Manhattan
http://www.napolifilmfestival.com
http://www.filmforum.org
November 7, 2007 (Wednesday) 6:00 pm
Luigi Fontanella Reads from Land of Time: Selected Poems 1972-2003Luigi Fontanella moves between countries as an Italian who has lived in the United States for many years but returns often to his native land. In this collection, he draws on his experience in both countries. Fontanella’s poetry is rooted in both a profound critical awareness of the labor of poetry and a wide embrace of life’s labors and joys. Light refreshments will be served. Seating is limited. This is part of the Writers Read Series.
Sponsored by the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, Queens College/CUNY.
25 West 43rd Street, 17th floor, between 5th and 6th Avenues, Manhattan
Admission: free (registration is required)
Contact: (212) 642-2094
November 7, 2007 (Wednesday) 7:00 pm
Garibaldi, Hero of Two WorldsA film bio of Garibaldi, displays of the Museum, a red shirt, and a large image of Garibaldi. Also, various biographies about Garibaldi from local libraries, and other memorabilia. Members only.
Sponsored by the Guglielmo Marconi Lodge, Order Sons of Italy in America.
Guglielmo Marconi Lodge, OSIA
333 Moffitt Blvd, Islip
Admission: free
Contact: Dr. C. De Rosa (631) 661-2455
November 7, 2007 (Wednesday) 7:00 pm
Wine Dinner - PiemonteThe executive chef from Arthur Avenue Caterers of the Bronx will prepare authentic dishes from the region of Piemonte. Accompanying this wonderful cuisine will be a fine selection of wines from the Westchester Italian Cultural Center and a special presentation by renowned wine expert Charles Scicolone.
Sponsored by the Westchester Italian Cultural Center.
One Generoso Pope Place, Tuckahoe
Admission: Members $120; Non-members $150
Contact: Geoffrey Claroni (914) 771-9119
http://www.wiccny.org
November 7, 2007 (Wednesday) 8:00 pm
The Adventures of GaribaldiA TV Interview. Prof. Vito De Simone interviews Anthony Di Perno on his recently published book on Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Sponsored by the Association of Italian American Educators.
In Nassau County: Channel 115
Contact: Vito De Simone (516) 466-6352
November 7, 2007 (Wednesday) 8:30 pm
The Adventures of GaribaldiA TV Interview. Prof. Vito De Simone interviews Anthony Di Perno on his recently published book on Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Sponsored by the Association of Italian American Educators.
In Great Neck Area: Channel 20
Contact: Vito De Simone (516) 466-6352
November 8, 2007 (Thursday) 4:00 pm
Dedication Ceremonies of the Papers of the Late Pietro Di DonatoMr. Di Donato, was an American writer often referred to as the grandfather of Italian-American literature. Speakers include scholars: Fred Gardaphe, Stony Brook University and Louise Napolitano of Farmingdale State College; filmmaker, Joseph Di Pasquale and Di Donato’s sons, Pietro and Richard. Offered in collaboration with the Special Collections Department of the University’s Libraries.
Center for Italian Studies, Melville Memorial Library, Room E4340
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook
Admission: All are invited
Contact: (631) 632-7444
http://www.italianstudies.org
November 8, 2007 (Thursday) 6:00 pm
Hands-on-Class: RavioliLearn to make your own homemade ravioli using a variety of both savory and sweet fillings. Casual attire.
Italian Culinary Center
302 Fifth Avenue at 31st Street, ninth floor, Manhattan
Admission: $95Contact: (212) 725-8764 ext. 15
http://www.italiancookingandliving.com
November 8, 2007 (Thursday) 7:00 pm
Reading and Book Signing
Bordighera Poetry Prize • Sonia Raiziss-Giop Charitable FoundationBook presentation of the 2006 winner, Emily Ferrara” The Alchemy of Grief (2007), translated into Italian by Sabine Pascarelli as L’alchemia del dolore. Also present will be the 2007 winner. The Bordighera Poetry Prize is generously sponsored by the Sonia Raiziss-Giop Charitable Foundation. Reading, reception, and book signing.
Sponsored by Bordighera Press.
Calandra Institute, Queens College/CUNY
25 West 43rd Street, 17th floor, New York, NY 10036
Admission: free
Contact: Daniela Gioseffi (718) 643-3837
www.italianamericanpoets.com
November 8, 2007 (Thursday) 9:00 pm
The Adventures of GaribaldiA TV Interview. Prof. Vito De Simone interviews Anthony Di Perno on his recently published book on Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Sponsored by the Association of Italian American Educators.
In Manhattan – Cable TV: Channel 56
Contact: Vito De Simone (516) 466-6352
November 9 - 15, 2007 1:00, 3:15, 5:30, 7:45, 10:00 pm
Divorzio all’Italiana (Divorce Italian Style)This is part of the Pietro Germi film series presented at the Napoli Mediterraneo-New York USA 41° Parallelo Film Festival.
Film Forum
209 West Houston Street, Manhattan
http://www.napolifilmfestival.com
http://www.filmforum.org
November 10, 2007 (Saturday) 9:30am to 2:00 pm
Homage to Mario FrattiNoted Playwright, Journalist, and Professor on the occasion of his Eightieth Birthday. Testimonials by scholars, students, actors, journalists. Breakfast refreshments will be served.
Sponsored by the Center for Italian Studies.
Stony Brook Manhattan
401 Park Avenue South, 2nd floor, Manhattan
Admission: All are invited
Contact: Jo Fusco (631) 632-7444
November 10, 2007 (Saturday) 2:00 pm
IAWC MeetingTopic: “Celebrating the Life of Garibaldi via the music of Verdi.” Guest speaker: Louis M. Barrella, M.A. has been a dedicated music educator for over 35 years. He has conducted symphonic bands and choruses, taught Music and Opera Appreciation and collaborated with many cultural organizations. Light refreshments will be served.
Sponsored by the Italian American Women’s Center, Inc.
Garden City Community Church
Corner of Stewart Avenue and Whitehall Blvd, Garden City
http://www.geocities.com/iawinc
November 10, 2007 (Saturday) 3:00 pm
Pasta Pasta for ChildrenChildren will be entertained for hours learning how to make homemade pasta with the executive chef from I Trulli Ristorante of Manhattan. This is a fun and educational workshop suitable for children from the ages of 6 – 11.
Sponsored by the Westchester Italian Cultural Center.
One Generoso Pope Place, Tuckahoe
Admission: Members $30; Non-members $38
Contact: Geoffrey Claroni (914) 771-9119
http://www.wiccny.org
November 10, 2007 (Saturday) 5:45 pm
IAWA Literary ReadingThe Italian American Writers Association (IAWA) continues to celebrate its 15th Anniversary at the Cornelia Street Café. Sharing the stage will be award-winning Hofstra Professor Stansilao Pugliese and B. Amore. The evening begins with Open Mic readings of five minutes each.
Sponsored by the Italian American Writers Association.
Cornelia Street Café
29 Cornelia Street, Manhattan
Contact: (212) 989-9319
http://www.iawa.net
November 10, 2007 (Saturday) 6:00 pm
“Caruso Sings Lanza”This dinner/show starring Aaron Caruso is a tribute to the legendary tenor, Mario Lanza. Reservations are required. Seating is limited.
Nicola Paone Restaurant
207 East 34th Street, Manhattan
Admission: $75
Contact: Maria (718) 256-6794
November 11, 2007 (Sunday) 2:00 pm
Greater Ramsey Chapter UNICO National Dinner DanceGreater Ramsey Chapter of UNICO National is hosting its first annual dinner dance honoring Barbara Peirano.
Sponsored by Greater Ramsey Chapter UNICO National.
Sheraton International Crossroads
Mahwah, New Jersey
Admission: $75
Contact: Rick D’Arminio (201) 327-4533
November 11, 2007 (Sunday) 3:00 pm
Everybody’s Fine (Stanno Tutti Bene)From the director of Cinema Paradiso, Giuseppe Tornatore. This is a bittersweet tale of family love and family secrets, starring Marcello Mastroianni.
Sponsored by the Italian Club of Westchester Community College.
Westchester Community College, Classroom Building, Room 200
75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla
Admission: free
Contact: Prof. Carlo Sclafani (914) 606-6790
November 11, 2007 (Sunday) 4:00 pm
Figli di Carolei Dinner DanceThe Honorable Janet M. DiFiore, Westchester District Attorney and Dominick Frank Reda, M.D. will be honored at this event. Featuring music by ERA 2000.
Sponsored by Figli di Carolei.
Villa Barone Manor
737 Throgs Neck Exwy, Bronx
Admission: $90
Contact: Rose Rossi (914) 769-8726
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Life & People
Study finds that Immigrants are both a threat and a benefit to Italy. The French research institute TNT Sofres interviewed nearly 4,800 adults in five European countries, finding that Italians had conflicting feelings about immigrants. It seems that most Italians view immigration as a threat to Italy, even if it offers the country potential economic benefits.
According to the study, one in every two Italians believes immigrants are an economic advantage to Italy. This figure rises to nearly 70% when questions were raised about foreigners' willingness to provide unskilled labor. About a third of the people interviewed considered foreigners a threat, posing an overall danger to Italy's cultural identity.
Around 57% of Italians are concerned with the "excessive number" of foreigners living in Italy, while about two thirds blamed the government for failing to develop adequate immigration policies. A majority of Italians (53%) said immigrants are to blame if they were unable to integrate properly with the host country. On the other hand, less then 40% viewed different religions and lifestyle as a threat to the country.
With regard to the issues, 77% of respondents said tackling illegal immigration was a major problem, 70% cited quotas on jobs for immigrants and 50% called for a greater focus on migrants' countries of origin -
Art & Culture
La nuova sede per lo IACE (Italian American Committee on Education), Ente Gestore affiliato al Consolato Italiano ed al Ministero degli Esteri, verrà inaugurata il 15 ottobre alle 9.30.
Si tratta di un’inaugurazione ad altissimo livello. Infatti per lo IACE - nella realtà Americana da oltre 30 anni per diffondere la lingua e la cultura Italiana nei tre Stati di New York, New Jersey e Connecticut - il taglio del nastro verrà effettuato dal Vice Ministro per gli Italiani all’estero, Senatore Franco Danieli, alla presenza del Console Generale di New York Ministro Francesco Talò, del Presidente dello IACE Dott. Berardo Paradiso, del Direttore dell’Istituto Italiano di Cultura Dott. Claudio Angelini, del Chairman Dr. Angelo Gimondo e del Consiglio Direttivo dello IACE.
Oggi il programma dello IACE raggiunge 37.000 studenti e 350 insegnanti di Italiano nelle scuole pubbliche Americane del Tri –State Area.
Il Senatore Franco Danieli, Viceministro per gli Italiani all'estero nel Governo Prodi, è da anni un profondo conoscitore delle problematiche connazionali che vivono all’estero. In diverse occasioni ha dichiarato che la presenza degli italiani nel mondo rappresenta quasi un'altra Italia fuori dall'Italia e deve far prendere coscienza alla classe politica, ed al Paese intero, dell’importanza di questa realtà,
Per il presidente dello IACE dott. Berardo Paradiso: “La presenza così qualificata di rappresentanti delle istituzioni Italiane a questo evento testimonia e conferma lo spirito di profonda collaborazione e cooperazione tra gli Enti Istituzionali Italiani e lo IACE nella continua opera di promozione della lingua e cultura Italiana, veicolo indispensabile per la espansione del Made-in-Italy nella Tri-State Area”. -
Facts & Stories
After winning an Oscar and an Emmy award, former Vice-president Albert Gore jr can put on his shelve the most prestigious prize in the world, the Nobel Peace Prize. This shows how somebody who was virtually destroyed as a public figure only a few years ago can come back right into the spotlight, and in much better shape than before.
The Nobel prize awarded to Gore raises a number of interesting issues. First of all, why was the Peace prize granted to someone dealing with environment issues? Definitely, the importance of Mr. Gore’s environmental crusade should not be overlooked. However, you would not award a peace prize to a scientist who discovered the cure for cancer – not because the cure for cancer is not extremely important, but just because it has little to do with world peace.
The international media are now pointing out that in the past the Nobel Peace Prize has been assigned for achievements in fields a little far away from traditional peace and war issues. But the Civil and Human Rights activists and the fighters against world poverty who received the award were in fact operating in areas where the connection to peace issues was indeed visible.
No doubt concern about global warming is equally important and so is Mr. Gore’s contribution in enhancing world awareness abouyt this issue; the whole thing mat well deserve a Nobel prize… it is the connection with the eminentyly political issue of world peace that is not clear.
This is why many are asking now: does this choice conceal a political criticism of the current US President, not only for being notoriously insensitive to environmental issues, but also for its “original sin” of gaining power in 2000 despite the fact the Al Gore had won the majority of the popular vote? Is the Nobel committee suggesting that global peace (and environment) would be in better shape today, had not Bush “stolen the vote” in 2000? The Nobel organization denies such insinuations, but the whole situation remains at least unusual.
Now, however, the main point is to understand what will be Mr. Gore’s next steps in the political field. His popularity is something incredible for a politician. The one person to wear similar shoes in the postwar years was General Dwight Eisenhower, the most popular World War II hero. Coming home after the war, Ike met with President Harry Truman, who offered to help him to obtain any honor he wanted, even the Presidency. Indeed Eisenhower was offered the presidential nomination by both parties in 1948: he refused, only to accept four years later, eventually winning the general elections of 1952. And that was a man who had probably never thought he would become President one day!
But Mr. Gore’s situation is quite different: the son of an important US Senator from Tennessee, he was raised to become President one day. He had the perfect, spotless political career, became the deputy to a very popular President at an extremely early age, and would have been President in 2000, had not the Supreme Court torn his dreams apart disregarding his popular-vote majority and assigning the Presidency to the now extremely unpopular George W. Bush.
In 2000 Gore was not unpopular. Even worse for a politician, he was virtually invisible. Few liked him, few disliked him. He was considered somewhat unsympathetic, and used to inspire apathy at best. Now, just 8 years later, he is a former Vice-president, a businessman, a Hollywood superstar, a new-media mogul who invented Current TV’s “Viewer Created Content” strategy, a high-tech guru who helps Steve Jobs promote his wonderful iPhone, a brave man that fights for the environment – and a Nobel Peace Prize winner. And he is only 59 years old!! What is this man made of??
Interestingly enough, Gore seems quite uninterested in running for President. Pundits keep saying that he would never be able to bridge the money gap with the other contenders, that he is happy with his new non-political celebrity life, and so on. The truth is that a “normal” presidential candidate does not need Clinton’s or Obama’s 70 million dollars to guarantee the nomination; just about 30 million are usually enough. Moreover, Mr. Gore is no longer a normal candidate and must not be underestimated. He is as popular as a superstar but comes with the experience of a life-long political career. Are we sure he is not interested in a second bid, now that he is – for the world at large – “AL GORE”?
All we can say is that rarely has a single US politician been so popular. At this point we can only sit tight and wait for Mr. Gore’s next surprise... -
Art & Culture
Thanks to the Italian national rail company Ferrovie dello Stato, on October 1 a train will set off from the Roma Termini train station headed to 22 Italian cities. This 'art train' contains 130 works from the 16th century to contemporary street art, giving an overview of 500 years of Italian painting. It is a real mobile art gallery that for 40 days will host works by Titan, Caravaggio and Tintoretto, among many others. It is the first time that works from such a large range of time is travelling around the country, since last year the art train’s trip covered only the last 50 years of Italian painting.
From Sicily to Milan, the train will take closer to the people works that are part of private collections. It is made up of six carriages, each created by a different expert and focusing on a separate period. The first carriage contains masterpieces from the 16th and 17th centuries including Titian's "Concert Champêtre" (1509-1510) and Caravaggio's "Rest on The Flight into Egypt" (1595-1596). The second carriage displays works from the 18th century, including Todeschini and Canaletto, while the third includes painters such as Antonio Mancino, Giuseppe De Nittis and Giulio Aristide Sartorio, alkl from the 19th century. The fourth and fifth carriages concentrate on the art of the 20th century, including Giulio Turcato, Giorgio De Chirico and Mimmo Rotella. The end of the train is finally dedicated to contemporary art, including works by Marco Lodola and a selection of street art.
According to Antonio Maria Pivetta, curator-in-chief of the initiative, "The itinerant museum will visit many of the cities that are often geographically penalized from taking part in major cultural events and will take art directly to the heart of the regions". Moreover, "Visitors should represent a vertical section of our society including all classes and levels of culture and income", said Pivetta while explaining that there is no charge to visit the museum-train. It is clearly a way to try to increase the number of people getting in contact with art exhibitions in the country, that currently is as low as 10% of the total Italian population.
The itinerant exhibition will be running until November 10. The organizers expect to have this year around 250,000 visitors aboard the train.
