Experience the Sounds and Spirit of Italy

This month, experience the richness of Italian music—from the vibrant folk traditions of southern Italy to the timeless romance of classical arias—in two captivating musical experiences.


Strings of Italy


Enjoy the beautiful sounds of Italy as the talented Italian-Canadian musicians of Festa Popolare perform folk music from across the peninsula and islands. Featuring both centuries-old and modern instruments, the concert showcases the iconic sounds of the mandolin and violin alongside the guitar, mandola, chitarra battente, and more. From beloved classics to rare Italian gems, this ensemble brings Italy’s rich musical heritage to the Columbus Centre for one unforgettable night.


Date: Friday, November 14, 7:00pm

Price: $25.00 (Adults) / $20.00 (Seniors/Students)



Notte d’Amore


Journey into the heart of Italy for a memorable evening of music as acclaimed soprano Sara Papini performs some of the world’s most beloved Italian arias and songs, accompanied by pianist Sabatino Vacca. From the passion of Puccini and Verdi to the timeless melodies popularized by Andrea Bocelli, Notte d’Amore celebrates the beauty, romance, and enduring spirit of Italian music.


Date: Wednesday, November 19, 7:30pm

Price: $25.00 (Adults) / $20.00 (Seniors/Students)

Villa Charities

Artist Loretta Faveri’s Immersive Exhibition: “Captured Moments”

Experience “Captured Moments" by fibre artist and dancer Loretta Faveri at the Opening Reception on Saturday, November 8 at 3:00pm. This immersive, multi-sensory exhibition explores themes of memory, resilience, and family history through stitched paper portraits inspired by Faveri’s grandparents. Then, return for “Lest We Forget: From Internment to Compassion” on Tuesday, November 11 at 6:30pm, an Artist Talk where Faveri reflects on her grandfather’s internment during World War II and explores how art can inspire empathy and healing.


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Celebrate San Martino with Roasted Chestnuts

Warp up with complimentary roasted chestnuts* at our next community festa in celebration of San Martino on Wednesday, November 12 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Festa della Castagna coincides with our Ballo Liscio night, featuring social dancing and music by DJ Joe Maio.

*First-come, first-served, while supplies last.


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Travel Through Italy’s Past, Present & Future

Author and historian David Pantano presents a FREE two-part lecture series exploring Italy’s political, social, and cultural evolution from the 1860s to today. Join us on Thursday, November 20 and Tuesday, November 25 at 7:15pm to trace key moments from unification and both World Wars to the post-war economic boom and modern political landscape. Each lecture concludes with discussion on the future course and global influence of Italian culture and creativity.


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Relive the Timeless Hits of Frank Sinatra

With a voice that defined generations, Frank Sinatra remains a towering figure in the world of music. Experience his timeless songs live on Thursday, November 27 at 7:30pm at “The Voice: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra”, featuring acclaimed jazz vocalist John Alcorn and The Daniel Barnes Trio. Enjoy beloved classics like “My Way,” “Come Fly with Me,” and “Fly Me to the Moon” in a moving tribute to one of the most iconic Italo-American artists of the twentieth century.


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Take Part in Our Italian Christmas Baking Contest

Bring your homemade Italian Christmas dessert and take part in our Traditional Italian Dessert Contest on Wednesday, December 3 from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the Columbus Centre. During our Ballo Liscio night with music by DJ Gianni Mignardi, guests are invited to share classic desserts like Panforte, Struffoli, Scalilli, and Turdilli for a chance to win a prize—then enjoy a slice of Panettone*, courtesy of Villa Charities.

*First-come, first-served, while supplies last.


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Our Festive Christmas Market Returns

The Villa Charities Christmas Market returns to the Columbus Centre with a two-day holiday market on Friday, December 5 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm and Saturday, December 6 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Explore over 30 local vendors offering unique gifts, handcrafted goods, art, ornaments, baked treats, and more. Kids can enjoy holiday-themed face painting, card-making crafts, and a special photo op with Santa. On Friday night, experience the magic of the season with outdoor activities including a Christmas tree lighting, holiday-themed display and carolers!

 

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Celebrate the Launch of “The Nuances of Love”

You’re invited to a special celebration! Villa Charities is proud to be the Venue Sponsor for the launch of “The Nuances of Love,” the AICW 40th Anniversary Anthology, on Saturday, December 6, 6:00pm at the Columbus Centre. This unique book of prose and poetry marks a significant milestone for the association. Come celebrate 40 years of remarkable storytelling at this free event and be among the first to experience this collection. It promises to be a memorable evening.

 

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Learn and Play with Italian for Toddlers

Villa Charities continues offering the Italian Immersion Toddler Program this fall in partnership with Leonardo Da Vinci Academy. This fun-filled program, designed for children aged 1 to 3, introduces Italian language and culture through play, songs, and engaging activities led by an experienced Italian instructor. Sessions run until December 8 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and/or Fridays from 9:00 to 10:00am at the Columbus Centre. A parent or guardian must accompany each child.


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Ballo Liscio Continues this Fall

The Italian tradition of Ballo Liscio continues every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30pm until December 17. Enjoy an evening of lively social dancing with music by popular Italian DJs and musicians. Whether you’re an experienced dancer or just getting started, everyone is welcome to join the fun.

 

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Book Your One-on-One Meeting for Friday Chats with Marco

Book your Friday Chats with Marco! Take the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc. to answer any questions or to share your thoughts on our programs and services. Our next meeting will be held on Friday, November 7 and December 5. Appointments are 20 minutes each, at 11:00am or 2:00pm, and must be scheduled in advance. Contact us today to schedule your in-person or virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 or email iusic@villacharities.com.


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Columbus Centre

Try a Free Pilates Demo Class this Month

Discover the benefits of Pilates with a free demo class at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club this November. These low-impact workouts help improve strength, flexibility, and body awareness. Demos for our beginner Foundations Pilates class run on Thursdays, November 6, 13 & 20 at 4:30pm or 6:00pm, and Pilates Demos run on Fridays, November 7, 14 & 21 at 6:00pm. These classes are open to anyone who hasn’t attended a demo this session. Registration required — limited spots available.


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Learn to Play a New Instrument

Explore your passion for music this season with private lessons at the Columbus Centre School of Music! Our experienced instructors teach a wide range of instruments, genres, and techniques—including new opportunities for students to explore Italian folk traditions through Intro to Italian Folk Music and Tamburello.

 

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Refine Your Landscape Painting Skills

Explore new approaches to painting in our Less Defined Landscape workshop led by artist Sam Paonessa. Integrating both landscape and abstract techniques, encouraging students to simplify references and experiment with imaginative colour palettes. A few spots remain for this inspiring workshop, running Wednesdays until December 17 at the Columbus Centre.

 

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Develop Your Dance Skills with DanzArts Toronto

DanzArts Toronto offers professional-level training for dancers of all ages and skill levels. Registration is still open for our 2025/2026 Dance Season. Check out our Recreational Schedule or contact us for more information. Don’t miss your chance to dance with us this season!

 

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Turn Your Next Event into a Pool Party

Turn your next birthday or special event into a pool party at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club! Our indoor pool rentals offer a fun and memorable experience for guests of all ages, complete with certified staff on-site to ensure a safe and stress-free celebration. Visit our website for pricing or email gungar@villacharities.com for booking and full details.

 

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Villa Colombo Vaughan

Villa Colombo Vaughan: Autumn Event Highlights

October was a month of connection and celebration at Villa Colombo Vaughan. Residents enjoyed a ‘change of colours’ outing, taking in the vibrant fall foliage and the joy of nature. The community proudly showed its Blue Jays spirit as residents and staff dressed in blue to cheer on the team during the World Series. We also celebrated World Pasta Day with a hands-on pasta-making activity — a fun tribute to our Italian heritage that brought everyone together through laughter and tradition. Residents joined in our Halloween Celebration, featuring festive, handmade fruit costumes created by our Programs team. This month, we look forward to a Pumpkin Pie Social, meaningful Remembrance Day tributes, and a Memorial Mass honouring residents who have passed.

Leonardo Da Vinci Academy

Visit the Leonardo Da Vinci Academy Open House

Join us for our Open House on Wednesday, November 19 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Meet with a member of our administrative team to learn more about our Casa Montessori and Italian Immersion Preschools, our Lower Elementary Montessori and our Upper Elementary programs while touring our newly renovated campus. We look forward to meeting you!

 

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Our Mission:

Enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage.


Our Vision:

Inspiring people to explore the Italian in all of us.



Villa Charities Inc. | 416-789-7011 | info@villacharities.com | www.villacharities.com

901 Lawrence Ave W, Toronto, ON, M6A 1C3 I About Us
Villa Charities Foundation Charitable Registration Number: 89337 0767 RR001

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