What's Trending: Italian Heritage Month, A Masterful Musical Performance and More!

Celebrate Italian Heritage Month With Us

The best of Italian culture, cuisine and heritage will once again take centre stage during Italian Heritage Month. Join us at the Columbus Centre as we present a month full of exciting events and exhibits.

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Experience a Masterful Musical Performance at the Ermanno Mauro Masterclass Series

The Ermanno Mauro Masterclass Series will perform their Annual Gala Concert in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery at the Columbus Centre on Saturday, June 2. The evening will feature a performance of “ACT III: La Bohème” and other arias. A reception will begin at 6:00pm followed by a gourmet dinner and concert at 7:00pm. Tickets are $130 each with a portion of the proceeds going to support Villa Colombo Toronto.

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Viva Vitalità Italiana Exhibit Returns to Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery in June

Be sure to experience the annual Viva Vitalità Italiana exhibition, presenting works by Italian-Canadian and Italian artists, in celebration of Italian Heritage Month. The show will feature the photographic exhibition “The Valley of the Temples, Agrigento, Sicily” by Marcello Tarantino and “Spotlight on Italian-Canadian Women Artists.” The exhibition begins June 1 in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery at the Columbus Centre and there will be an opening reception on Tuesday, June 5 at 6:30pm, which is free and open to the public.

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Join us for a Magical Presentation of a Classic Literary Tale

Dante Alighieri, the father of Italian language, comes alive to tell a fantastic tale in “The Divine Comedy: Storytelling and Shadow-Play,” on Tuesday, June 5 at 7:00pm at the Columbus Centre, in the Columbus Room. This free enchanting performance for audiences both young and old captures the essence of the first segment of the Divine Comedy (Inferno) through images and words, in Italian and English.

New Course Explores the History of Soccer

We are excited to offer an engaging, six-week workshop focusing on the politics, history and impact of soccer. The course, “Calcio (Soccer): A National Mirror,” explores some of the most important and interesting moments in soccer’s past and comes as the eyes of the world are fixed on the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The course runs Thursdays from June 7-July 12 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm at the Columbus Centre. Registration is $60.00.

Canta Italia Tuesday Series Launches in June

Join us for free, weekly Italian classic sing-alongs in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery at the Columbus Centre. These lively events on July 12, 19 and 26 will feature renowned Italian-Canadian musician Claudio Santaluce, who was an active member of the Columbus Centre community. This will be a great opportunity to bring the whole family out to participate in Italian heritage and culture.

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Villa Charities Board Launches Cultural Advisory Council

The VCI Cultural Advisory Council will be instrumental in providing guidance and direction to the cultural mandate of Villa Charities, by reflecting on the strategic mission of the community organization.

Bring your Imagination to Life with New Summer Camp Programs

The Columbus Centre Summer Camp’s Magic Camp and Be A Builder Camp are new programs designed to educate, engage and spark the curiosity of campers. Magic Camp gives kids ages 6-12 a chance to learn various magic techniques from a professional magician. Be A Builder Camp allows campers ages 4-12 to design and build unique creations using the newest Lego sets. Register your child for these camps or any of our other specialty programs today!

Columbus Centre School of Music Students Entered for Acclaimed Competition

Five vocal students from Columbus Centre School of Music have been selected to compete for the opportunity to represent Toronto in the Cantagiro International Youth Singer’s Competition , which will be held in Fiuggi, Italy in September. Cantagiro is a well-known singing competition dating back to 1962 and has featured contestants that have gone on to high-profile careers in the music industry. The finalist will be announced in June.

Learn More about the Music Students

Early Bird Registration for DanzArts Toronto Fall Classes Begins May 28

Early Bird registration for DanzArts Toronto fall recreational classes runs from May 28 to June 2. Book early and save on classes for all ages, including adult ballet, hip hop and dance bootcamp, and breakdancing, tap and musical theatre for kids. Fall term recreational classes begin September 10.

Deadlines for Tickets to Upcoming Cultural Outings Coming Fast

The deadline is tomorrow to purchase tickets for our Cultural Outing to the world premiere of “The Magician’s Nephew” at the Shaw Festival on July 13, 2:00pm. Tickets are $120 (+HST and including roundtrip transportation from the Columbus Centre). Join us, as well, on June 10 for a guided tour of the Bata Shoe Museum by our Executive Director of Cultural Programming Emanuele Lepri. The tour includes a look at the special exhibit “Manolo Blahnik, the Art of Shoes” and tickets are $20 (+HST).

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Villa Colombo Toronto Celebrate Mother's Day

Residents at Villa Colombo Toronto celebrated Mother’s Day with a variety of activities, including special family meals and parties. It was a special day for everyone at Villa Colombo Toronto to honour mothers and grandmothers!

A Message From A Valued Arts Partner

You’re Invited: Centro Scuola’s Italy-Amo Gala on Sunday, June 3

Villa Charities is proud to be a sponsor of Centro Scuola’s Italy-Amo Gala on Sunday, June 3. This special evening will honour all those who have lavished their talents in promoting and teaching the Italian language and culture over the past 40 years. For tickets and information go to italy-amo.ca or call 416-789-4970.