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Celebrating Naples: A Journey Through History
Presented by Anita Sanseverino

Naples is a city filled with art treasures, churches of magnificent design, palazzi, an ancient centro storico, the magnificent seafront area called Lungomare with its majestic view of Mount Vesuvius, and many other historic and artistic sights. 

Naples has been called “the stepchild of Italy” – and Anita Sanseverino is determined to change that undeserved perception.

“When you say to most people that you are going to Naples, they say, “Oh, don’t go there, it’s dangerous,” she said. “Aside from the fact that it is not true, the irony of this statement is that none of the people who say this have ever been there!”

Anita is certain that her fascinating lecture and beautiful photographs will ensure that Naples is on the priority list of people who plan to travel to Italy, just as much as Venice, Florence and Rome.

She will highlight the illustrious history of this once-royal kingdom dating back to its origins as the Greek city of Partenope. She will discuss the various rulers and dynasties that occupied Naples, and why unification might not have been the best thing to happen to this former kingdom. 

Anita will share her personal experiences in Naples, especially with its generous citizens. “When people talk about Italians and their characteristics, they are unknowingly talking specifically about Neapolitans,” she said. “As much as Italians in general are known for their love of food, music, of life in general, these qualities are 10-fold in Neapolitans. They are the quintessential Italians.” 

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Mother’s Day Pasta Making

Celebrate mothers and important mother figures (adults only) by inviting them to join you as we make fresh pasta (price is per person.)

Mother’s Day Gnocchi Making
Celebrate your moms or important mother figures making gnocchi with them! (For children accompanied by 1 adult; the price is per person.)

The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere presents Opera and Lunch in the Afternoon 
Presented by Lou Barrella and Dr. Snjezana Smodlaka
Thursday, May 13, 2021 from noon to 4 pm 

Enjoy great food and company while sharing our love of Opera! 

A lovely three-course lunch at Casa Belvedere is paired with two opera films, with an introduction and commentary by Opera Educators Lou Barrella and Dr. Snjezana Smodlaka. 

Tosca’s Kiss is a documentary about what is considered Verdi’s greatest work: the Casa di Riposo, or Rest Home for Retired Musicians. As we meet these beautiful and great artists who must deal with aging, we find their talent and exuberance for life continue in a happy environment.  They are respected for who they were and still remain. Verdi’s legacy lives on in their respect, admiration and appreciation for the “Maestro.” 

Quartet is a semi-humorous film about a British Home for Retired Musicians where former opera stars and musicians spend their Golden Years among colleagues. Again, we meet talented artists whose past accolades cause conceited personalities and petty jealousies, which interfere with their daily interactions. As we experience their frustration over aging, and personalities start clashing, they busily prepare for an annual Verdi Gala Concert culminating in the Quartet from Rigoletto. 

Watching both films will give us much joy, laughter, wonderful operatic music, and a pleasant time together at our Casa Belvedere mansion. We hope you plan to attend!  

The three-course lunch, which includes wine, soft drinks, and coffee, is $60 M and GMM* (Garibaldi Meucci Museum)/$65 NM per person (includes tax and gratuities). Reservations with pre-payment required. 

Presented in partnership with:

Special Holocaust Series: “If you are not indifferent, things can be different.”
Part 3: Movie screening and discussion

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