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Discover the World of Italian Opera
with our Opera è Vita Series
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Explore the captivating world of Italian opera with two of the most accomplished voices on the stage today. Don’t miss the final two concerts of our popular “Opera è Vita” series!
International soprano Sara Papini and acclaimed tenor, multi-instrumentalist and composer Romulo Delgado lead this interactive concert lecture series about Italian opera, featuring live performances, audience participation and special guest appearances.
How to Conduct an Opera
Thursday, November 16, 7:30pm
The conductor on the podium is undoubtedly one of most recognizable figures in classical music and opera. However, what exactly are they doing? How does a conductor translate their vision into glorious sounds?
Romulo Delgado is joined by one of Canada’s most experienced conductors, Maestro Denis Mastromonaco, and special guests. This engaging concert lecture will uncover the magic behind those waving hands that can create the beauty, excitement, passion, tragedy, sadness and inspiration that opera has to offer.
Passion for Puccini
Tuesday, December 12 at 7:30pm
Giacomo Puccini, regarded as the greatest and most successful composer of Italian opera after Verdi, created masterpieces that are among the most frequently performed and recorded of all operas. What is it about his music that has an immense ability to reach our deepest emotions?
Sara Papini and Romulo Delgado lead this exciting concert lecture, sharing insightful observations on the composer as well as performing some of the most famous arias and duets from his iconic operas.
Price: $20.00 Adults / $15.00 Seniors & Students (Per event)
Location: Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Columbus Centre
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Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute | |
#TributeThursday – Donor Spotlight | |
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Every #TributeThursday we are honoured to share an immigrant history from the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project. This week, we are featuring Pietro Arduini and Eleonora Tomassini, who immigrated from Mombaroccio, Marche in 1957 and 1958, respectively.
Read an excerpt from their story, below.
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“In 1957, at the age of 22, our father Pietro made the long journey from his hometown of Mombaroccio, in le Marche to Canada. He traveled by ship to dock in New York and then continued on by train to arrive in Toronto. Following a similar journey, he was joined a year later by his fiancé, Eleonora. Three weeks later, in 1958, they were married in St. Mary of the Angels Parish. Both worked hard and many long hours. Our father worked as a plasterer/drywaller and our mother as a devoted homemaker. They shared many stories of challenging times those first few years. Yet together, they raised two daughters and created a good life in their new home.”
Read the rest of their family story and explore our entire collection of amazing donor histories on our Immigrant Map.
Donate to the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project today and receive a customized name plaque, to honour your family’s history and legacy for future generations.
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Volunteers for the Tribute Project Wanted! | |
Are you friendly, energetic, and have a passion for engaging with the public?
Villa Charities Foundation is looking for volunteers to support the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Project. In this role you’ll act as a volunteer ambassador of Villa Charities by attending various community events and promoting the Immigrant Tribute project.
Learn More and Apply Today!
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TONIGHT! Pat LaBarbera & Roberto Occhipinti Trio Play the Italian Songbook | |
Tickets are still available for tonight’s concert featuring Pat LaBarbera, one of the most famous jazz musicians in Canada. LaBarbera (saxophone) will explore the rich melodies and versatility of the Italian Songbook, accompanied by the Roberto Occhipinti Trio, featuring award-winning musicians Roberto Occhipinti (bass), Davide Di Renzo (drums) and Anthony D'Alessandro (piano). Don’t miss this amazing performance of some of most beautiful Italian songs ever written.
Buy Tickets
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“La Nostra Storia”: The Trio Kings’ CD Launch Party | |
Join us tomorrow, Friday, November 10, for a lively evening of Italian music and storytelling at The Trio Kings’ CD launch party for “La Nostra Storia” (Our Story). A collection of renowned traditional Italian songs that resonate with Italian immigrants, “La Nostra Storia” celebrates Italian heritage and its vitality. Joining the trio, local author Robert Marrone will also share excerpts from his novel “The New Vine”, which tells a story of Italian immigration.
Buy Tickets
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“Club del Libro” Online Book Club with Violante Binazzi | |
Violante Binazzi leads our online book club, where participants can explore and discuss award-winning Italian literature while learning Italian. Next Wednesday, November 15, we’ll be reading reading a moving masterwork from one of Italy’s most beloved contemporary writers: “Le tre del mattino”/ “Three O’Clock in the Morning” by Gianrico Carofiglio. Follow the journey of a father and son as they navigate two transformative nights, in this coming-of-age novel. Tickets are only $10!
Register Now
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Making Herself Heard: Music by Baroque Women | |
Tafelmusik returns to Villa Charities to celebrate the creativity and artistry of women in the 17th and 18th centuries. On November 21 at 7:00pm, “Making Herself Heard” brings us the music of baroque women whose renown as composers and performers was all but ignored in the annals of history. In bringing their work out of the shadows, we discover a fresh, ‘new’ soundscape in the works of Élisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre, Isabella Leonarda, Marianne Martinez, and the enigmatic
Mrs. Philarmonica.
Buy Tickets
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Cultural Tuesdays: An Evening of Poetry and Reflections | |
Villa Charities presents “An Evening of Poetry Readings and Reflections” on Tuesday, November 28 at 7:00pm. The evening features selected works by four distinguished Italian-Canadian authors: Bruna Di Giuseppe-Bertoni, Antonia Facciponte, Joe Giampaolo and Gianna Patriarca. Participants will be given the opportunity to purchase copies of the books. A ‘Pay What You Can’ event but advance registration is required.
Register Now
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Coming Soon: Villa Charities’ Festive Christmas Market | Mark your calendars now for the Villa Charities Festive Christmas Market, on Saturday, December 2 from 12:00 to 5:00pm. Shop fantastic local vendors and enjoy delicious seasonal food and beverages at the Columbus Centre. Get in the Christmas spirit as you discover great gifts for family and friends, or a special something for yourself. Plus, kids can have their photo taken with Santa! | | |
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Toronto Premiere Screening of “Gino: A Child of War” | |
Join Villa Charities for the Toronto premiere of the film “Gino: A Child of War”, an inspiring docu-drama that sheds light on an incredible story of hope and boundless kindness of the human spirit amid the chaos of war. The film narrates the story of Gino Farnetti-Bragaglia, a five-year-old boy discovered frightened, hungry, and wandering amidst the war-torn ruins of Torrice, Italy, in 1944, by compassionate Canadian soldiers. Q&A following the screening. Monday, December 4, 7:00pm at The Royal Theatre, 608 College Street. Presented in partnership with Lazio Federation of Ontario and Amarcord – Associazione EmilianoRomagnoli Dell’Ontario.
Buy Tickets
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Enjoy the Sounds of Christmas with Coro San Marco | |
Celebrate the festive season with “A Christmas Concert: Pastores Transeunt Usque Bethlehem”, a live performance of holiday music by Coro San Marco on Monday, December 11 at 7:30pm. Under the baton of Daniele Colla, pianist Adolfo De Santis,violinist Carina Charmaine Sandejas along with other talented vocalists will perform a selection of traditional Christmas music sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
Buy Tickets
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Book Your Virtual One-on-One Meeting for Friday Chats with Marco | |
Have a question about our programs and services? Take the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc. Appointments are 20 minutes each between 11:00am and 12:00pm and must be scheduled in advance. The last Virtual Friday Chats for 2023 is scheduled for Friday, December 8. Contact us today to schedule your virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 or email iusic@villacharities.com.
Book Your Meeting
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Monday Night Squash House League is Back! | |
Feeling competitive? Columbus Centre Athletic Club’s Squash House League gives Members and Non-Members the opportunity to compete with other players, accumulating points toward a final match between the top players for the winning prize. Contact the Membership Office and register now for our weekly matches on Monday nights.
Learn More
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Rent our Swimming Pool for Private Parties | |
Make a splash at your next party with a pool rental at the Columbus Centre! We have a large indoor swimming pool that's available for private rentals, perfect for hosting an unforgettable event. For more information and pricing, contact us today at 416-789-7011 Ext. 215 or email gungar@villacharities.com
Learn More
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VCTA Presents Christmas Pasta Bingo Fundraising Event | |
Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary (VCTA) presents their annual Christmas Pasta Bingo fundraising event on Monday, December 4 at 6:00pm at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. Your $50 ticket includes a pasta and salad dinner, coffee/tea and traditional Christmas treats, as well as three bingo games and dabber. Funds raised are for the benefit of residents at Villa Colombo Toronto. For tickets, please contact the VCTA Office at 416-789-2113 Ext. 2260 or email vcla@villacolombo.on.ca.
Learn More
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Messages from Valued Arts Partners | | |
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Celebrate International Men’s Day on November 19 | On Sunday, November 19th at 2:00pm, join us at the Columbus Centre for the 4th International Men’s Day Event as we celebrate the accomplishments of Mr. Pal Di Iulio and Dr. Gregory Grande, and their outstanding contributions to the Italian Canadian community. A ‘Pay What You Can’ Event. | | |
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ICFF screening of “A Muso Duro” | |
ICFF is proud to present the Canadian premiere and panel discussion for “A Muso Duro” otherwise known as, ‘Nard-nosed’ taking place on November 30th at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. The film is an inspiring tribute to the legacy of doctor Antonio Maglio, who dedicated his life to the social recovery of disabled individuals, and also highlights his significant role in organizing the first-ever Paralympic Games in 1960!
Learn More
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Join the Columbus Concert Band! | |
The Columbus Concert Band is rehearsing for upcoming concerts, and we are now accepting musicians to join our award-winning band. Come to one of our rehearsals and meet the band. All wind instruments are welcome. Contact us at ccbtoronto@gmail.com so that we will have a folder ready for you at our next rehearsal.
When: Tuesdays, 7:30 – 9:30pm
Where: Villa Colombo Toronto, Fusco Room (40 Playfair Ave., Toronto)
Learn More
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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.
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901 Lawrence Ave W, Toronto, ON, M6A 1C3 I About Us
Villa Charities Foundation Charitable Registration Number: 89337 0767 RR001
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