Giuseppe Lucenti, in art “Joseph Lu,” class of 1975, born in Modica, in the picturesque province of Ragusa (Sicily), a pianist and composer, will receive in New York, next Oct. 15, at 8 p.m., at the Italian Cultural Institute, the special “Caruso Tribute Prize,” a highly prestigious award, organized by producer Dante Mariti and Melos International, intended for Italian excellences, and thus for those who have distinguished themselves in the various fields of cultural activities.
The award as a “musician attentive to the human and spiritual dimension” is given to Joseph Lu, the “Pianist of Dreams,” since his music is the unifying element between reality and dreams, a bridge that unites distant worlds, from which we can gather experiences and the true essence of our existence. Joseph Lu is also known for his great inclination to give assistance to people who are suffering.
He believes that listening to the sufferings of the human soul helps us travel to spiritual dimensions that transform suffering into music.
His commitment to inclusion took on a new dimension with the single “Power of Love,” which earned him a nomination for the WEA World Entertainment Awards on Jan. 31, 2025, a date that coincides with the release of the Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) soundtrack. Therefore, on January 31, 2025, in Los Angeles, Joseph Lu will attend the gala where the winners of the prestigious award will be announced, in the Best Instrumental Composition category.
The song “Power of Love” is a musical project born from Joseph’s heart with the goal of promoting inclusion and ensuring a full and independent life for those living with the autism spectrum.
Among the prestigious names who will receive the Caruso Tribute Award in this edition are: Gianni Russo, American actor and entrepreneur, famous for his role in The Godfather and promoter of opera culture; Fabio Armiliato, internationally renowned tenor and actor in Woody Allen’s To Rome With Love;
Prof. Fabio Finotti, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in New York; Vince Tempera, well-known composer and conductor, famous for his soundtracks; Biagio Maimone, journalist and communications expert;
Alessandro Lora, highly successful young Italian tenor in New York, known for his performance in Bryant Park; Rosario Procino, successful entrepreneur in the New York restaurant industry; Shanté Williams, Superintendent of the Carolina Opera; Desirée Wallis Busnelli, American cultural influencer; Zamfir Antoniu, Superintendent of the Opera Romana Craiova, promoter of Italian opera;
Prof. Avv. Angelo Maietta, for his commitment to creating original formats that promote Made in Italy; Gianni Todini, Director of Askanews, for his professionalism and commitment to news coverage between Italy and the United States;
So-Chung Shinn, philanthropist and supporter and CEO of the Metropolitan Opera of New York.
The event, sponsored by the Campania Region, the City of Rome and the Comites of New York, will feature Italian and American institutions, along with distinguished Italian guests and prominent personalities from the New York community, including Award testimonial Michele Sarno, a lawyer and a well-known figure on Raiuno.
The evening will be presented by host Barbara Politi and broadcast in a special on Rai Italia in late October.
The gala evening will also feature prominent musical talent, including jazz musician Marco Di Gennaro, soprano Kristin Sampson, violinist Giovanna Ferrara, and pianist Kathryn Oleander.
