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:
