By Gemma Donofrio, GCHS Class of 2008

October is designated as Italian Culture and Heritage Month in New York. To honor the Italian language as well as culture during this month, the Italian V students at Garden City High School will host Una Serata All'Opera. The students are well equipped to host this cultural event as they have been studying opera and its important role in Italian society in class. At this celebration, the students will provide background about several operas in both English and Italian. One such opera is Nabucco, composed by Giuseppe Verdi. Verdi's work on this masterpiece is thought to symbolize the Risorgimento, or period of Italian unification. The opera holds special significance this year because it marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Giuseppe Garibaldi, a notable leader of the Risorgimento. A baritone, Thomas Stallone and a soprano, Claudia Crouse, accompanied by pianist Marina Stuleva will perform arie from some of the operas discussed.

Una Serata All'Opera (an evening at the opera) is scheduled for Tuesday, October 30, at 6:15 p.m. in the High School cafeteria, where traditional Italian appetizers will be served. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. in the High School Library. Tickets are $7 and may be purchased at the door.