Contact: Megan Peck
504-523-6530 ext. 109
megan.peck@lpomusic.com
1010 Common St., Ste. 2120
New Orleans LA 70112
For Immediate Release
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s “Festa d’Italia”
A Celebration of American-Italian Contributions to New Orleans Culture
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra proudly announces “Festa d’Italia, a three-day celebration in the Crescent City on Friday, February 22 – Sunday, February 24, 2008, recognizing the American-Italian contributions to New Orleans culture. The unique weekend event will showcase a wide variety of Italian music, food, and fashion as a celebration of the city’s Italian heritage, which dates back to the city’s exploration and founding.
The festivities begin with a concert on Friday, February 22 at 7:30 p.m. in McAlister Auditorium on the Tulane University campus. Performed by the full Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of dynamic young Music Director Carlos Miguel Prieto, the Italian connections to Louisiana’s special music culture will be highlighted by beloved Italian classical symphonic works along with a series of operatic overtures and arias performed by up-and-coming guest singers, including Cleona Torres, Kenner-native and Regional Finalists for the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.
The action shifts to Canal Street on Saturday, February 23 from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., when the flavors and fashions of Italy will be featured by numerous retail outlets and restaurants along the historic street. There is fun for the whole family as festival goers can enjoy Italian retail activities, delicious food, music, unique performances and street art. Highlights include café-style outdoor dining and menu specials at several Canal Street hotels and restaurants; an incredible sidewalk creation outside the JW Marriott by internationally renowned European sidewalk artist Julian Beever, whose three-dimensional chalk drawings have been mesmerizing fans worldwide for more than a decade; a special performance by “The Yat Pack” outside of Harrah’s Casino and family-friendly entertainment at the Shops at Canal Place by the Carter Family Marionettes, the award-winning puppet troupe that uses traditional three-foot tall Sicilian marionettes to bring to life ancient tales of action and adventure. Additionally, trios and quartets of LPO musicians will be on hand all day to entertain festival-goers throughout the area. Be sure not to miss this renaissance of one of the country’s great major streets. Please see attached schedule for a full listing of events.
Saturday’s celebration concludes that night with the fabulous Festa d’Italia Ball at 7:00 p.m. at The Foundry, 333 St. Joseph Street in the Warehouse District. The event will feature a seated dinner, catered by Chef Horst Pfeifer of Bella Luna Catering and Middendorf’s, a silent auction of luxury gifts, a private concert by the full Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and dancing until midnight to the Jamal Sharif Quintet. The evening is sure to be an elegant and exciting affair!
Festa d’Italia concert and ball tickets as well as additional information about the weekend are available by calling 504.523.6530 or at www.lpomusic.com.
THE LPO’S FESTA D’ITALIA
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2008
8:00 a.m. The Italian Trade Commission will hold a breakfast conference titled, “Italy – Trade and Investment Opportunities,” at the World Trade Center of New Orleans, 2 Canal Street. The Consul General Cristian Maggipinto will discuss, “Economic & Financial Relationship between Italy and Louisiana,” and Trade Commissioner Leopoldo Sposato will discuss “Outlook on Italy: A Market for Trade and Investment.”
ALL DAY Rubensteins, 102 St. Charles Avenue at Canal Street, will hold a Brioni Trunk Show, where Chief Master Tailor Angelo Petrucci from Rome will be on hand for personal fittings.
Palace Café , 605 Canal Street, will offer a special menu of traditional Italian food and wine with a New Orleans flair – serving both from the Sidewalk Café and inside the restaurant.
The JW Marriott, 614 Canal Street, will provide street style cabaret seating on the sidewalk in front of Shula’s Restaurant where they will offer a special three-course menu and superb selection of Italian wines.
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The Sheraton Hotel, 500 Canal Street, will feature an Italian Café in the lobby overlooking Canal Street with the special offer of a free slice of pizza with purchase of featured Italian beers Perroni and Morretti.
7:30 p.m. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s Festa d’Italia Concert, featuring the music of Respighi, Tartini and Verdi, at McAlister Auditorium, Tulane University. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 504-523-6530 or visit www.lpomusic.com.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2008
11:00 a.m. Italy’s best known and romantic form of transportation invades Canal Street as a “Vesparade” of 30-40 Vespas kicks off Saturday’s festivities along the historic street.
11:30 a.m. Julian Beever, an internationally renown European sidewalk artist, will unveil his artistic creation, an incredible three-dimension illusion he will complete over four days outside the entrance of the JW Marriott, 614 Canal Street. Mr. Beever, whose artwork stems from the Italian tradition of pavement painting, will create an image that pays tribute to New Orleans’ unique culture – a masterpiece not be missed! For examples of his other incredible illusions, visit http://users.skynet.be/J.Beever. Julian Beever’s appearance in New Orleans is made possible by a grant from the Downtown Development District with additional support from the J.W. Marriott Hotel.
ALL DAY Trios and quartets from the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will delight the ears with small performances at participating venues along Canal Street.
The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas will set up a children’s area focusing on Italian culture and arts.
Rubensteins, 102 St. Charles Avenue at Canal Street, will hold a Brioni Trunk Show, where Chief Master Tailor Angelo Petrucci from Rome will be on hand for personal fittings.
Palace Café, 605 Canal Street, will offer a special menu of traditional Italian food and wine with a New Orleans flair – serving both from the Sidewalk Café and inside the restaurant
The JW Marriott, 614 Canal Street, will provide street style cabaret seating on the sidewalk in front of Shula’s Restaurant where they will offer a special three-course menu and superb selection of Italian wines.
Adler’s Jewelry, 722 Canal Street, will feature a selection of Italian goods, such as Ginori china and Buccellati silver. Enjoy Italian refreshments while shopping for these exquisite items.
Saks Fifth Avenue will host informal modeling sessions of their best Italian fashions for men and ladies: Armani Collezioni, Dolce & Gabbana, Etro, and Prada. Additional fabulous Italian accessories will include Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo and Fendi.
The Ritz Carlton Hotel, 921 Canal Street, will offer special Italian spa services for festival-goers wishing to experience the finest of Italian luxury.
11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. “The Yat Pack” will perform on a stage set up outside the Canal Street entrance of Harrah’s New Orleans Casino. From the big band, classic sounds of Frank Sinatra & Bobby Darrin to more present day artists like Michael Buble, Billy Joel and Harry Connick Jr., "The Yat Pack" ensures diversity, style and class. Also enjoy great Italian food and drinks at food booths along Canal Street.
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Shops at Canal Place, 333 Canal Street, will offer Italian Wine Tastings, compliments of Republic Beverage, and live entertainment. Additionally, Williams-Sonoma will host cooking demonstrations where participants can learn how to create their own savory Italian feasts.
12:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. The Family Carter Marionettes will present the story, “The Enchanted Castle,” at The Shops at Canal Place, 333 Canal Street. Using traditional three-foot tall Sicilian marionettes, the internationally acclaimed and award-winning puppet troupe will bring to life this adventure filled with knights, fairies, skeletons, devils and ghosts. The Family Carter Marionettes’ performances are sponsored in part by the Consulate General of Italy, Houston and the Italian Institute of Culture, Los Angeles, with additional support from the Shops at Canal Place and the Westin Canal Place.
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The Sheraton Hotel, 500 Canal Street, will feature an Italian Café in the lobby overlooking Canal Street with the special offer of a free slice of pizza with purchase of featured Italian beers Perroni and Morretti.
7:00 p.m. The LPO’s Festa d’Italia Ball will conclude Saturday’s festivities with fine dining, a private concert by the full Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and dancing ‘til midnight at The Foundry, 333 St. Joseph Street in the Warehouse District. For information and tickets call 504-523-6530, ext. 108
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2008
4:00 p.m. The Italian Consulate hosts the special concert “Cantando l’Italia,” featuring the singer Fatima Scialdone, at Dixon Recital Hall, Tulane University. For more information about this fantastic Italian performer visit www.fatimascialdone.com
Festa d’Italia is made possible by support from the National Endowment for the Arts; State of Louisiana, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism; Downtown Development District; the Consulate General of Italy, Houston; the Italian Cultural Institute, Los Angeles; the Honorary Consulate of Italy, New Orleans; and the generous businesses on world-famous Canal Street.
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