The Italian Cultural Society of Washington D.C. Announces: ICS VIRTUAL GALA 2020. “Reawakening—A Celebration of Italian Innovation, Creativity and the Human Spirit”, on Sunday, November 1st at 4:30pm ET, on the ICS webpage.
While our annual fundraising gala has traditionally been an opportunity to celebrate Italian excellence, this year it represents so much more. The ICS wants to honor the beauty and the strength of Italy and the Italian people — inspiration for all of us in times of crisis. Bringing us all together from our homes, this Gala is an occasion to transmit the warmth of our community to all who support and embrace Italian culture.
The program includes a tribute to award winning composer Maestro Ennio Morricone, who passed in July at the age of 91. His score from “Cinema Paradiso” will be performed from Lago d’Orta by violinist Matteo Amadasi of Milan’s “La Scala” opera house, along with pianist Katia Spluga at the opening of the gala. Our celebration will conclude with a performance by the “ConTemporary Duo” guitarist Maestro Felicia Toscano and Luigi Picardi of the score “Once upon a Time in the West” from Rome and Washington D.C.
During the evening, Italian thought leaders will discuss recent developments in their fields:
*BEPPE SEVERGNINI: Corriere della Sera journalist and New York Times columnist, author of bestsellers including “Neoitaliani: Un manifesto,” his latest book, which is about how the coronavirus pandemic has changed Italy and Italians
* CRISTINA CASSETTI: Ph.D., Deputy Director of NIAID’s Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
*MARCO BUCCI: Mayor of Genoa and Special Commissioner for the reconstruction of Genoa’s bridge
* FRANCESCA LUSINI: Chairman of the Peuterey Group SpA, a leading Tuscan luxury outerwear apparel company
Other Highlights:
*An inspiring interlude: “Timeless,” a contemporary dance performance by students of the Washington Scholl of Ballet, choreographed by Mimmo Miccolis
*Piano performance by the winner of the Montanari – Mendola ICS Schlarship Awards Program: F. Chopin Etude Op.10 No.4
*Renowned Chef Roberto Donna’ has prepared a gourmet dinner just for this event, paired with premium Italian wines, donated by Marraniero & Il Cantiniere di Maurizio Farro.
*Campari, Ferrero, Pirelli and Mediaset were important sponsors of this event.
*A unique Online Auction will be on our website for a few more days in November following the gala event.
*Highlights video, the full program and other details are at: https://gala.italianculturalsociety.org/
*Donations will support ICS cultural, didactical and scholarship programs.
