Thursday, March 14, 2019 – 12:00 Noon-4:00 PM. The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere, 79 Howard Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301. Three-Course Lunch includes wine and soft drinks. $60 per person (plus gratuities). Reservations with pre-payment required. Call us at 718-273-7660. CLICK HERE TO RSVP ONLINE.

Come enjoy great food & company while sharing our love of Opera featuring Verdi's “I Vespri Siciliani” at our Spring Opera Luncheon with Introduction & Commentary by Opera Educators, Lou Barrella and Dr. Snjezana Smodlaka. I Vespri Siciliani (The Sicilian Vespers) is Giuseppe Verdi’s 19th opera and based on an historical event that occurred in Palermo in 1282.

Verdi enhances this Romantic Era story with patriotic passion allowing audiences to relate to its characters and their struggles even as we are entertained. It has a wealth of melodic and dramatic opportunity for all the main characters. This particular production is a truly “Italian” operatic experience for those who love Verdi and great operatic singing.

The production was recorded live from the Teatro Regio di Parma – October 2010 starring Daniela Dessì, Fabio Armiliato, Leo Nucci & Giacomo Prestia Massimo Zanetti, conductor.