Opera in the Italian Cultural Garden

For the first time in 63 years, Opera was performed in the Italian Cultural Garden on Friday June 27, 2008. Joyce Mariani, director of the Italian Cultural Garden Foundation, said, "Opera was performed frequently in the 1940's and we are happy to present opera, once again, in the garden."

Opera Per Tutti, (Opera for all) led by Andrea Anelli performed arias, duets and ensembles from La Traviata, La Boheme and also selections of Mozart, Verdi and Bellini at the free concert.

Though rain fell during part of the performance, neither the artists nor audience of about 250 were disrupted. Colorful umbrellas appeared until the sun came back out.

Some sat in chairs near the performers while other brought chairs and blankets and spread out in all areas of the beautiful Italian Cultural Gardens.

Andrea Anelli and J.R. Fralick perform

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Andrea Chenoweth

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Video of Puccini's show-stopping Nessun dorma from Turandot sung by Timothy Culver

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J.R. Fralick and Brian Johnson

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When the rain began, the umbrellas came out

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Timothy Culver and Andrea Chenoweth under an umbrella

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The show must go on!

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Pianist Cara Chowning

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Sextet from Lucia di Lammermoor

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The Garden fountain made a great viewing location

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Joyce Mariani, Director of the Italian Cultural Garden

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Ward 8 Councilwoman Sabra Pierce-Scott

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Carmen and Kay Cesa

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Dorothy and James Lowder

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Video of O Mimi, tu piu non torni from La Boheme
sung by J.R. Fralick and Brian Johnson

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Dr. Al Musca and John Feighan

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Patricia and Basil Russo

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Opera Per Tutti's Andrea Anelli

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Andrea Chenoweth with fans after the show

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Thomas Berardinelli and Gino Colage

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John Megyimori from the Hungarian Cultural Gardens

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Mike and Joanne Ruggieri

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Brian Johnson

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J.R. Fralick

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Narrator Molly McGinnis

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Pianist Cara Chowning

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Timothy Culver

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William Marshall

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Conductor Karen Prasser leads the ensemble in the closing Sextet from Lucia di Lammermoor

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Come back soon for more video clips from
the Opera in the Garden

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