Cultural festivities awaken the summer spirit

Spoleto Festival readies for another year

Carlo Menotti founded Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, S.C., as a counterpart to the Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy. During the very first Spoleto Festival USA program, Menotti remarked, “Just as the composer…knows when he is inspired, I knew that Charleston would be the town of my choice as soon as I set foot in it, and Charleston…will confirm to the beholder the wisdom of this choice.” He envisioned the festival as a “fertile ground for the young with new ideas and a dignified home for the masters.” Charleston has proven to be an excellent setting for the festival and served as an inspiration to artists and staff since 1977.

Major highlights of the 2007 season include “The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny”, a sharply satirical 1930s opera directed by Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier, producers of “Jenufa” and “Rusalka”; the American premieres of two French operas: “L’ile de Merlin”, a Baroque-era comedy, and composer Pascal Dusapin’s “Faustus, the Last Night”, Dusapin’s first productions in the U.S.; W. Somerset Maugham’s comedy of manners “The Constant Wife”; and many others.

In conjunction with the Spoleto Festival USA, NIAF will host a special reception for Lt. General John W. Rosa, who is retired from the United States Air Force, at the Mills House Hotel in Charleston on May 28. Please call Kristi Pappalardo at (202) 939-3109 for more information.

For more event details and ticket information, visit our Web site.

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NIAF releases list of local festivals

Throughout the country, a number of local Italian and Italian-American annual festivals celebrate the traditions of our Italian heritage. Now, NIAF has released a comprehensive list of those festivals. From New York to California, Wisconsin to Texas, there is sure to be “festa” in your area.

This list reflects the response to a recent survey of our members, and is updated bi-annually. If your state or city is not listed, we suggest calling the visitors’ bureau or a local parish in the Italian section of your city or town.

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Charity watchdog commends NIAF

Charity Navigator has recently awarded the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) the watchdog group’s premier four-star rating for fiscal management. NIAF was the only Italian organization to receive this coveted designation nation-wide.

According to Charity Navigator Executive Director Trent Stamp, “Less than a quarter of the charities [evaluated] received our highest rating…the National Italian American Foundation outperforms the majority of non-profits in America with respect to fiscal responsibility. This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator differentiates the National Italian American Foundation from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.”

NIAF's top rating by Charity Navigator was complemented by the most current report from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), which gave the Foundation a commercial credit score of 97, a rating better than 96 percent of the businesses and organizations listed in the D&B database.

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NIAF welcomes spring at Council Retreat

NIAF will hold its 2007 Council Retreat at Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, N.Y., from May 4-6.

The seven-story, 19th century castle built in New York’s Shawangunk Mountains is surrounded by 2,200 acres of woodland ideal for nature walks and trail rides. A National Historic Landmark, this arresting lodge offers a number of modern amenities including a spa, award-winning chefs, and a conference center.

Fees for this retreat include a $50 registration fee in addition to lodging costs of $339 per person, per night for a single room and $249 per person, per night for a double room. Reservation prices include hotel accommodations and meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) for the duration of your stay.

Find out how you can register today.

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Italian recording artist Patrizio launches first U.S. Tour

Following the March 5 release of his second album, "Forever Begins Tonight," Italian singing sensation Patrizio Buanne is scheduled to begin his first North American tour on April 4. He will perform in 18 cities and 14 states including New York, Washington, D.C., California, Connecticut, Missouri, Illinois, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Florida through May 3. The concert series will have the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) among its sponsors.

Universal Records released his first album, "L'Italiano," in 2005; it featured a mix of traditional Neapolitan romance ballads and Italian melodies from the 1950s and 1960s, all recorded with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. No stranger to NIAF, Patrizio performed before more than 1,000 guests at the October 2006 NIAF Convention and Gala weekend.

For a complete listing of tour dates and ticket information, visit his official Web site.

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Italians’ efforts awarded at 2007 Oscars

Veteran filmmaker Martin Scorsese, legendary Italian film composer Ennio Morricone, and costume designer Milena Canonero each won Oscars from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences at the 79th Annual Academy Awards.

NIAF Chairman Dr. A. Kenneth Ciongoli recognized their remarkable achievements, saying, “[NIAF] is proud to congratulate Milena Canonero, Ennio Morricone, and Martin Scorsese. On behalf of [NIAF], I heartily applaud their achievements, and the achievements of all Italians and Italian Americans nominated for this honor.”

Press Release

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Inside Italy

In the wake of recent scandals in Italian football, another sport has emerged. Italy’s rugby team has been gaining popularity since winning two Six Nations rugby tournament matches this season. According to reports, “News of their success was splashed over the front pages of the country's sporting press. La Gazzetta dello Sport hailed the team as the ‘Lions of Italy.’” Fans greeted players upon their return at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport after their first victory against Scotland—the team’s first win abroad in its seven years of competition—three weeks ago.

The RBS Six Nations rugby competition is held among England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. In the past, the Women's Six Nations Championship has featured Spain instead of Italy. However, Italy will replace Spain at the women’s tournament in 2007.

Italy will face Ireland in its final match. The contest closes on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. For more information on the Six Nations tournament, visit the official Web site.

(Source: website)

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NIAF e-Newsletter compiled and edited by Monica Soladay, Editor, and Jeffrey DiNunzio.
enews@niaf.org

 

For the latest NIAF news and in-depth details of all the Foundation offers, be sure to visit our Web site: www.niaf.org

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