Mozart may have been born and raised in Austria, but he was among classical music’s most “Italian” composers, with most of his operas written in the bel canto style and the Italian language. It should come as no surprise that “Mozart Immersive: The Soul of a Genius,” currently on display at Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago, has deep Italian roots. The 360-degree audiovisual experience is the brainchild of Artistic Creator Massimiliano Siccardi and Composer and Arranger Luca Longobardi. “With this piece, we wanted to represent every part of Mozart’s life, from his happy times as a child prodigy and throughout his amazingly …

Lifelong member Paul Faso has been elected president of Società Maria SS. di Costantinopoli. Joining him as officers are First Vice President Darrin Bosell, Second Vice President Frank Loconte, Recording Secretary Lucia Maffei, Secretary of Finance Sabina Bosell, Treasurer Vito D’Ambrosio and Sergeant-at-Arms Frank Faso. Faso officially became a member of the organization when he turned 16 in 1999, but he has been active in the society his entire life. “My parents and grandparents realized how crucial it was to get the younger generations involved early, so that’s what they did,” he explains. “Initially, there wasn’t a choice, but now …

Wheaton attorney Amanda Zannoni will ascend to the presidency of the Justinian Society of Lawyers, DuPage County Chapter, at an installation dinner on May 19 at The Cellar by Cooper’s Hawk Winery in Arlington Heights. Joining her as officers will be First Vice President Kira Albrecht, Second Vice President Maria “Gabby” Antoniolli, Secretary Lindsey Mirabelli, Comptroller Elizabeth Pope, and immediate past president and Scholarship Committee Chair Jessica Defino. Zannoni joined the chapter on the recommendation of a partner at the first law firm she worked at as an attorney. “The partner, now deceased, embodied the ideals of Justinians and Italian-American …

Dr. Mary Harris has risen through the ranks to the presidency of the Arcolian Dental Arts Society, becoming the youngest female president in the organization’s 88-year history. Joining her as officers are President-Elect Dr. Jessica Mattern, Vice President Dr. Lauren Allegretti, Treasurer Dr. Charles Martello and Secretary Dr. Megan Ratliff. The niece of past Arcolian President Dr. Michael Biasiello, Harris joined the organization right after going into practice six years ago. “I originally started coming to the meetings at the suggestion of my uncle. I quickly learned that the Arcolians are an amazing group of talented dentists that are passionate …

A capacity crowd converged on Empress Banquets in Addison for the Sons and Daughters of Italy in America’s first annual Carnevale di Venezia. Acrobats, dancers and musicians performed for guests, who turned out in force to honor beloved Casa Italia staffers Nancy Cometa and Darrell Marchioretto. Dinner featured an extravagant cicchetti (appetizers) buffet, a spaghettata of three pastas and Nutella crepes in celebration of World Nutella Day.  

When the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations hosted an Italian American Future Leaders conference in January (see page 6), the Chicago area was ably represented. Pasquale Gianni trekked down to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to take part in the three-day conclave. While there, he was able to network with other young adults of Italian descent and share his expertise as the founder and president of the Avanti Group. “I’m proud to say that the Avanti Group is the only organization of its kind in the nation,” Gianni reports. “I’ll be working with young adults in other parts of …

Fra Noi correspondent Sam Tinaglia rubbed elbows with Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy at the 25th annual Ballo di Savoia in New York City in December 2022. The event raised funds in support of various scholarships and Cooley’s Anemia Foundation. The celebration commemorated the 450th anniversary of the creation of the ancient chivalric Order of Saints Maurice & Lazarus. The American branch of the order supports charities consistent with the traditions of the Royal House of Savoy. Prince Victor Emanuele of Savoy is the grandmaster of the orders, and his son, Emanuele Filiberto, spearheads the fundraising efforts.  

The 2023-24 officers and executive board of the Sons and Daughters of Italy in America were installed by Judge Jennie Giambastiani in December. Pictured are (seated, from left) Financial Secretary Janis Ryan, President Lyn Scolaro, Sergeant-at-Arms Stella Weber, (standing, from left) Trustee Carrie Peck, Vice President Mary Wroblewski, trustees Rich Reiss and Ralph Cardone, and Treasurer Jeff Sanderson. Not pictured are Past President Joe Papa and Secretary Patricia Schultz. The March meeting of SADIA will feature a St. Joseph’s Table. (sadia-chicago.org)  

The Mazzini-Verdi Club started December off with a bang, honoring Steve Menconi and Catherine Di Venere Ciminello as Man and Woman of the Year at its Dec. 3 President’s Ball. On the menu were an outstanding dinner and dancing that went well into the evening. Then came the Ladies Club’s Dec. 17 Christmas party, featuring a decorated tree and other traditional décor, carols in English and Italian, delicious home-baked treats and elegant baskets created by members to be raffled off. Two weeks later, more than 160 revelers partied until well after midnight at the club’s New Year’s Eve bash. (847-671-0055) …

The Lucchesi nel Mondo of Chicago celebrated a time-honored Italian tradition at a family-friendly gathering on Jan. 8 at the Mazzini Verdi Club in Franklin Park. Nearly 40 children and more than 60 adults were treated to a delicious lunch followed by a meet and greet with La Befana, who handed out gifts to every child 12 years of age and under. In Italian folklore, La Befana travels throughout the world on the Feast of the Epiphany distributing presents to all of the good girls and boys.