The Hon. Christian Di Sanzo, elected in the North and Central America Division, received the Caruso Tribute Award Prize at the Italian Cultural Institute in New York, organized by Melos International. This award is in recognition of his work in promoting Italian culture in North America, with a particular focus on the new generations. The award is dedicated to Enrico Caruso, whose story represents the history of a great Italian artist who found success in America.
“It was truly a pleasure to receive the Caruso award. I thank Dante Mariti and Melos International for honoring me among the various personalities of this year. This award is also, and above all, a moment to remember, in the 150th year since his birth, a figure of great talent like Enrico Caruso, an important figure not only from an artistic standpoint but also because he represented a moment of great redemption for the Italian community in the United States,” said Hon. Christian Di Sanzo.
Along with Hon. Di Sanzo, prominent figures from the world of arts, journalism, and business were also honored, such as the tenor Matthew Polenzani, tenor Amadi Lagha, RAI journalist Claudio Pagliara, the correspondent from the United States, and entrepreneur Claudio Sarra.
Hon. Di Sanzo emphasized that “Enrico Caruso’s figure was so appreciated in the United States that it constituted a profound source of recognition for the entire Italian community. Caruso also never lacked a deep sense of community that led him to visit the establishments in Little Italy, where he met less fortunate compatriots. In various ways, he expressed his solidarity with people who, like him, had arrived by ship across the ocean but had traveled in much more modest conditions and were doing humble work in often difficult conditions.”
Hon. Di Sanzo highlighted how Caruso’s extraordinary experience, “a great tenor who only achieved true success in the United States,” reminds us of many young people who, not finding opportunities in Italy, seek to realize their dreams elsewhere, especially in the United States. Many talented individuals emigrate in search of recognition for their work and new opportunities that they cannot find in Italy. These are stories that, unfortunately, remain highly relevant even today.”
