TWO VOICES FROM THE GOLDEN WEST

Last night The Italian Cultural Center of Chicago was delighted to host the tenor Marcello Giordani and baritone Marco Vratogna as they discussed their experiences in singing the roles of outlaw Dick Johnson and Sheriff Jack Rance in Puccini's La fanciulla del west (The Girl of the Golden West) at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Mr. Giordani enthusiastically explained how he started, almost by chance, his venture in the Opera world. Mr. Vratogna told differents anecdotes about his experience in the music world and shared how meeting Luciano Pavarotti was an eye-opening experience that inspired him to continue singing. The audience showed interest and enthusiasm and the event continued through the evening with a vibrant exchange between the two guests and their public.

Good morning Aman captures audience's interest

“The problem isn’t realizing dreams, the problem is having dreams”. This is a sentence that will resonate with any person who lost hope in life regardless of race, creed or political affiliation. It is also the focal idea behind “Good Morning Aman”, the Italian film directed by Claudio Noce and shown last night at the Italian Cultural Institute. The film tells the story of a friendship between two very different individuals, at first appearance at least.
The audience showed a great deal of interest and enthusiasm for the movie and agreed on how refreshing it was to see a film dealing with the issues surrounding immigration from a different angle, in particular the idea that people can feel like an “immigrant” even in their own country.

Discovering Carracci's Art

Tuesday night the Italian Cultural Institute had the pleasure to host a lecture about Ludovico Carracci’s paintings. The conference was held by Eve Straussman-Pflanzer, Associate Curator of European Painting and Sculpture before 1750 at the Art Institute of Chicago. She

accurately explained all the technical aspects of Carracci’style, such as the use of colour and the meaning of the lines and shapes. Historical circumstances were also mentioned, so that the public could go more deeply into the context in which Carracci was operating.

She examined Carracci’s responsibility for transforming Bolognese painting from

the staid and restricted Mannerist style of the last part of the 16th century into that

compelling blend of Classicism with naturalistic elements that would dominate 17th-

century Italian painting. The speech was accompanied by beautiful images of the

paintings of the artists, that kept up the audience’s attention minute by minute. At the end of the lecture, the Curator exhaustively answered to all the audience’s questions. 

Getting to know Maria Callas

The documentary “Maria Callas: La Divina” was shown yesterday at the Institute. Its screening was preceded by a brilliant lecture by Jesse Rosenberg, Associate Professor of Musicology at Northwestern University, who gave an extensive introduction about the American born Greek soprano. Professor Rosenberg talked about her personal and artistic life while expressing his admiration for her musical and dramatic talent. On the occasion, copies of the book "The Young Maria Callas,"edited by Bruno Tosi and published by Guernica Editions with the support of the Italian Cultural Institutes in North America, were freely given to the large audience present at the event.

Celebrating of one of the most original Italian artists: Caravaggio

Yesterday night the Italian Cultural Institute hosted a lecture on Caravaggio entitled "The Painter’s body" by the Assistant Professor of Italian Studies and Adjunct Professor of Art History at Northwestern University, Marco Ruffini. The audience was really enthusiastic and interested in discovering new and stimulating details about this innovating artist, thanks especially to the accurate and exhaustive explanations by professor Ruffini who mainly focused on the comparison between the art of Federico Zuccari and the innovation of the Lombard genius. This lecture was presented on the occasion of Caravaggio's 400 years death’s anniversary, and on the occasion of the sensational discovery of the artist’s remains in Porto Ercole in Tuscany. This event was also presented in conjunction with the 2010 Chicago Humanities Festival's theme “The Body.” 

European Jazz Festival: Great Success for Marraffa / Braida Duo

Chicago Cultural Center was crowded yesterday in occasion of the European Jazz Festival. On the first of these two free nights of music, Edoardo Marraffa (tenor and sopranino saxophones) and Alberto Braida (piano) were invited to represent Italy and Italian jazz. The magnificent Preston-Bradley Hall was full with people involved into music and jazz improvisation lovers.

The extraordinary natural acoustics of the Hall magnified Marraffa and Braida’s interplay: the delicate, tradition-rooted pianism of Alberto Braida intermingled with the more radically experimental and aggressive sounds produced by Edoardo Marraffa’s saxes. The result, aggressive and enchanted at the same time, literally hypnotized the audience.
It comes then as no surprise that they got a long round of applause at the end of their exhibition. The two musicians too seemed to be very satisfied with their first Chicago experience!

 

Aldo Cazzullo: Viva l'Italia!

Aldo Cazzullo was at the Institute yesterday to present his latest books “L’Italia de Noantri. Come siamo diventati tutti meridionali” and “Viva l’Italia!.” The public’s response was enthusiastic : an intense debate followed, concerning various aspects of contemporary Italian society.

Since Aldo Cazzullo, as a journalist and correspondent for the Italian newspaper “Corriere della Sera”, was in Chicago to follow the mid-term elections, he was obliged to leave as soon as the debate was closed, so that he could write his article.

Flick or treat? - Opera by Dario Argento

The last event about Verdi’s Macbeth took place yesterday at the IIC with the screening of “Opera”. This horror movie, by Italian director Dario Argento, tells the story of Betty, a young opera singer, who gets her big chance when the previous star of a production of Verdi's Macbeth is run over by a car. She accepts, although the play is notorious for bringing bad luck, and becomes the target of a psychopath. This misterious assailant stalks Betty, capturing her by tying her up and taping pins to her eyelids, so she is forced to watch as he violently murders the people around her.  The killings are very shocking and bloody and create an unforgettable atmosphere of dread and fear, in a classic Argento - Style, which the audience at the Institute seemed to enjoy. Some of the guests came in costume and a special refreshment with gummi eyes, cookies and skeleton candies was offered. This was an occasion of celebrating a Halloween, an American tradition, in an Italian way!

Cooperation between Italy and Switzerland

Yesterday the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago showed how strong the ties are between Italy and Switzerland. The lectures given by Marco Cameroni and Paola Piffaretti about 17th century Swiss-Italian artists who worked in Italy, rounded up a multi-language audience which was very satisfied to discover Ticino, an Italian-speaking region of Switzerland,  which gave birth to many talented people.  As the event was organised on the occasion of the 10th Italian Language Week, both lectures were given in Italian. An English translation of the speeches was at the audience's disposal. The meeting was organized by the Italian Cultural Institute in collaboration with Consulate General of Switzerland in Chicago. A reception followed, with traditional Swiss specialties and wines graciously offered by the Consul General of Switzerland, Giambattista Mondada.

Once You Are Born You Can No Longer Hide draws a wide audience

Such a great audience yesterday at the Italian Cultural Institute for the screening of “Quando sei nato non puoi piu’ nasconderti” (Once You Are Born You Can No Longer Hide)!  The conference room was crowded with people and students from Loyola University and Harold Washington College, interested both in the Italian language and in the ticklish theme of immigration. The movie, directed by Marco Tullio Giordana, made the audience laugh at the very beginning, depicting in a flimsy way the life of a young and well-to-do Italian boy ; later moved it, showing the terrible conditions in which immigrants attempt to reach Italy. This was the second movie of a series dedicated to the Italian Language Week. Two more are scheduled: “Io, l’altro” (I, the Other) by  Mohsen Melliti on Nov 18, 5.30 pm and “Good Morning Aman” by Claudio Noce on Dec 15, 5.30 pm.

Moving lecture-performance by G.Ghermandi at Northwestern

An astonishing lecture-performance by novelist Gabriella Ghermandi took place yesterday at Northwestern University. She caught the attention of a wide audience, mostly made up of students and teachers interested in the theme of immigration and cultural exchange. She combined her free speech about her family, childhood and the history of Ethiopia with the reading of some extracts of her novel “Queen of Flovers and Pearls”. She also showed her abilities as a performer by singing some traditional songs of her country and gave a visual representation of her being Italian and Ethiopian at the same time by changing her clothes on the scene. This moving performance ended up with Gabriella sharing bread with the audience, just as is supposed to be done with friends in the Ethiopian tradition.

"New Italians, New Literature": Roundtable discussion with Ghermandi and Kubati

The 10th Italian Language Week began yesterday with authors Gabriella Ghermandi and Ron Kubati  giving an intense reading of their latest novels at the Institute. They discussed with moderator Cristina Lombardi-Diop and the audience about the recent phenomenon of Italian literature written by immigrants.

Ghermandi recalled her childhood in Ethiopia and the importance of Italian as a Father Language to her, especially when she finally got to Italy at the age of 14. To Kubati Italian has definitely meant something different: he learned this language as he came to Italy, when he was already 19. To him, it represents the language of his studies, of his mature friendships, of his development.

Gabriella Ghermandi is not only a novelist, but also an accomplished performer and singer. She will be tonight at 7pm at McCormick Tribune Center Forum - Northwestern University, for a lecture-performance from "Queen of Flowers and Pearls", a novel based on the life of an Ethiopian family in Italy.

Verdi's Macbeth told by the Lyric Opera protagonists

Yesterday evening director, Barbara Gaines and conductor Renato Palumbo spoke to the Institute’s audience about Lyric Opera’s current production of Verdi’s Macbeth. The discussion was moderated by Speranza Scappucci. After a brilliant introduction by vocal coach Scappucci, Palumbo told many interesting and somewhat amusing details concerning the history of the composition of the tragedy by Verdi while Gaines talked about her first lucky experience as an opera director, insisting on the difference between working with actors and singers and declaring her immense and quite unexpected appreciation for the play.

Both Palumbo and Gaines confessed to be highly satisfied with the outcome of their collaboration and were glad to answer the numerous questions and curiosities of the audience.

The Institute reminds you that two movies concerning Macbeth will be screened soon:

- Tue, Oct 12, at 5 pm, “Macbeth” (1987) by Claude. It brings Verdi’s celebrated opera to life with superb musical performances. Conducted by Riccardo Chailly, the exceptional cast features singers of the highest caliber: Leo Nucci performs Macbeth and Shirley Verrett takes on the role of Lady Macbeth.

- Tue, Oct 28, at 5.30 pm, “Opera” (1987) by Dario Argento. A young opera singer named Betty gets her big break when the previous star of a production of Verdi's Macbeth is run over by a car. Alas, she becomes the target of a psychopath while working on the production and her big break becomes a curse. Opera is considered by many to be the last of Argento's masterpiece horror films, and it was included in the book 100 Greatest Horror Films You've Never Seen.

Successfull opening Toccafondo exhibition "Fleeting Frames"

Gianluigi Toccafondo’s personal exhibition opened yesterday at the Italian Cultural Institute.
After a short introduction by Director Silvio Marchetti, Professor and Cinema expert Chris Sullivan provided the audience with useful details about Toccafondo’s personal experience and artistic career, highlighting how his process of making art was inspired by his father’s pottery activity. Sullivan also explained the fascinating techniques Toccafondo uses to produce his original short animation films. The audience’s response to Sullivan's lecture and to the Italian animator’s work was enthusiastic.

Both the artist’s original short films and colourful drawings will be on display at the Institute until January 14, 2011.

exhibition: Gianluigi Toccafondo @ the Italian Cultural Institute, Tuesday Oct. 5, 6pm

Exciting, dreamy, funny: the videos by Gianluigi Toccafondo are made with hundreds of drawings, magically assembled in a succession of screen-shots. In order to give viewers an in-depth understanding of Toccafondo’s unique world of ‘painting in motion,' the preparatory drawings and sketches for his animation art will be displayed in the Institute’s gallery. A special section will be dedicated to the work Toccafondo created specifically for the United States.

Gianluigi Toccafondo (1965) has exhibited his artwork in numerous shows in Italy and abroad. In addition to making a variety of short films, Toccafondo has composed theme songs for television programs and published illustrated books. He has collaborated creatively with the world’s best magazines, and also designed covers for the influential publishing house Fandango. Most recently he was assistant director to Matteo Garrone for the celebrated movie Gomorrah.

International Summer Screenings Program: Italian Movie: Non Pensarci (Don't Think About It)

The Chicago Cultural Center's International Summer Screenings Program, with the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Chicago co-presenting, bring Chicago one of Italy's most successful contemporary movies, Don't Think About It.


At 36, Stefano Nardini is a punk rocker living in Rome, still trying to make it. When he returns to his hometown of Rimini in search of some TLC and a home-cooked meal, he soon realizes that he’s not the only one in trouble — his sister dropped out of college and his brother is running the family business into the ground. They’re on the verge of losing everything, and only drastic measures will save them. A multiple award winner at Venice, Don’t Think About It is a dramedy about a family that must learn how to take care of each other before it’s too late.  Director: Gianni Zanasi. (Italian with English subtitles; 2007; 105 minutes)


Hours:

Wednesday, August 11, 6:30 pm

Saturday, August 14, 2 pm

Location:

Chicago Cultural Center

78 E. Washington St., Claudia Cassidy Theater

Chicago, IL 60602

Co-presented by the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Chicago. Cinema/Chicago, in collaboration with the Chicago Cultural Center and international and cultural partners throughout the city, is pleased to host free public film screenings at the 7th Annual International Summer Screenings Program. Seating is on a first come, first served basis and is limited to theater capacity. Films are unrated, and viewer discretion is advised.

Art Exhibit: Carlo LoCascio in Lincoln Park

Carlo LoCascio is an Italian artist who settled in Chicago ten years ago after an international career in industrial and interior design. His beautiful exhibit of paintings in oil and mixed media can be viewed by appointment (773-206-2851) at Tete De Girolami's art gallery at 2000 N. Orleans Street - on the corner of Armitage and Orleans.

Carlo LoCascio, when pressed, describes his work as avant-garde. He rejects working within the perimeters of a strict style, however. In his words: "My inspiration is the unending need to give expression to the abstract meanings hidden in everyday life, as informed by my personal memories and dreams."
LoCascio's commitment to interior, psychological truth gives this exhibit its emotional resonance and unforgettable vitality.

JUNE 29 OPEN HOUSE

You're invited to an Open House hosted by the Italian Cultural Institute in Chicago and Italidea on June 29^th from 4-7pm to mark the beginning of Italidea’s Summer Session and in conjunction with the ongoing exhibition of works by Lorenzo Mattotti, featuring drawings and illustrations.  

The event will unfold as follows:

4pm: Children’s Corner: Pimpa animation film, featuring the fun, adventuresome, little Italian dog Pimpa, will delight a young audience. Live entertainment for kids provided by Carly Ciarrocchi. “Merenda” (snack) will be served.

     

                  Pimpa

5pm: Visit the Library and the Lorenzo Mattotti Exhibition on Display: Guests will have the opportunity to visit the Italian Cultural Institute’s library and discover the treasures of the Italian language. Visitors can also enjoy Lorenzo Mattotti playful artwork – a collection of magazine cover illustrations, drawings, and comics narratives – on view in the Italian Cultural Institute’s gallery.

         

Magazine cover and work by Lorenzo Mattotti

6pm: Experience sample Italian lessons from Italidea teachers, all of whom are native speakers with an Italian language degree obtained in Italy.

I hope you will join us in sharing and discovering the beauty of Italian language and culture.

A reception will be offered.

Thank you for calling (312) 822-9545 x 198 to RSVP. Please indicate the ages of any children you will be bringing.

To view the course schedule of summer courses offered at Italidea starting July 12^th, click here.  Please don’t miss two new special courses: “Buon Appetito,” which will explore the richness of Italian gastronomy and “Le Canzone e l’Italiano,” which will allow students to discover the styles and lyrics of Italian songwriters (cantautori).

Carmen Consoli at the Italian Cultural Institute on June 15!

Italian singer and songwriter Carmen Consoli stopped by the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago on June 15 to greet fans and play a sampling of her new songs from her seventh album, ELETTRA. The theme of ELETTRA is love in its many manifestations: filial, platonic, romantic; and love in its varying emotional tones: conflicted love, egotistical love that destroys rather than nurtures, and love that heals.

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As can be imagined, a large, extremely enthusiastic mix of Italians and Americans gathered to listen to Carmen Consoli for a special concert at theItalian Cultural Institute of Chicago on June 15. As Director Tina Cervone mentioned in her introduction, it certainly isn’t every day that Consoli fans have the opportunity to experience the music one of Italy’s favorite stars in an intimate setting, and also to exchange a few words with her. Consoli talked with individual audience members at length while signing CDs after her performance at the Institute, and graciously posed for photographs with all who asked.

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The Italian Singer Who Americans Love. A New Album & Tour for Carmen Consoli

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Microphone, acoustic guitar, powerful voice and impeccable beat were the only elements required for Consoli to fill the Institute’s gallery with the sound of a full scale concert. Adding depth to her performance were the stories she shared of how Sicily to this day provides her with inspiration and a rich musical heritage made of many cultural threads to draw from.

I AM LOVE opening at Landmark Theaters on Friday, June 25

We went to see I AM LOVE last night at the Century Mall's Landmark Theater. This visually lush movie set in Milan and San Remo lives up to its great reviews. Tilda Swinton is especially compelling in her role of the perfect upperclass wife and mother unable to continue paying the emotional price required for her to fulfill her function as female icon within her extended Italian family. A must see for Italophiles and film lovers alike. Click here for The New York Times Review.


Synopsis: I AM LOVE tells the story of the wealthy Recchi family, whose lives are undergoing sweeping changes. Eduardo Sr., the family patriarch, has decided to name a successor to the reigns of his massive industrial company, surprising everyone by splitting power between his son Tancredi, and grandson Edo. But Edo dreams of opening a restaurant with his friend Antonio, a handsome and talented chef. At the heart of the family is Tancredi's wife Emma (Tilda Swinton), a Russian immigrant who has adopted the culture of Milan. An adoring and attentive mother, her existence is shocked to the core when she falls quickly and deeply in love with Edo's friend and partner Antonio, and embarks on a passionate love affair that will change her family forever.


Directed by Luca Guadagnino. 
Cast:Tilda Swinton, Edoardo Gabbriellini, Alba Rohrwacher, Pippo Delbono