CENTRAL PARK SUMMER CONCERTS is initiating this first annual celebration of Italian Opera as a gift to the people of New York.   The concert has been programmed with an emphasis of inspiring the new generation with a lasting appreciation of opera and providing the thrilling experience of listening to some of the world’s most beautiful pieces from the great Italian repertoire.  The goal is for people to realize that opera is "music for everybody", “popular music”, not for the elite or for the old generation only. 
 
Music Director is ALVISE CASELLATI, an Italian conductor, also a graduate of Columbia Law School, who transitioned from a successful law career in New York to become a leading opera conductor in many of Italy’s finest opera theaters fulfilling his “American dream”.  Maestro Casellati selected outstanding young musicians, students and graduates from the major New York music schools, i.e. Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, Mannes College etc., to comprise the Central Park Symphony Orchestra.  

The selected singers are already celebrities or young celebrities in the world’s most respected lyrical institutions.  Some of the most famous Italian symphonic and operatic pieces will be performed during the evening with a “surprise”.   For the occasion, Maestro Nicola Scardicchio, pupil of the famous composer Nino Rota (who wrote the music for many of Fellini’s and Visconti’s movies), composed his “Baphomet Overture” imagining Lorenzo Da Ponte, Mozart’s favorite librettist, walking in Central Park with Mozart.  This composition will be premiered at the Concert and is a homage to Central Park.  

This event is made possible by the Foundation for Italian Art and Culture (FIAC), The Alexander Bodini Foundation and ACP Group.  Additional major support is provided by Brooks Brothers and ENI. 
Generous support is also provided by Bel Real Estate Group, Urbani Truffles, Bracco Diagnostics, Inc. and Gruppo Cremonini.  We are also thankful to our media partners: Jazz at Lincoln Center, Eataly and The Harvard Law School Association (New York Chapter).

 Special recognition goes to Ms. Carla Bossi-Comelli, Manhattan School of Music, Mr. Salvo Arena, Ubooker and The Eduardo & Antonella Salvati Foundation.

This event is organized with the support of The Consulate General of Italy in New York and the Italian Institute of Culture of New York.
For full details please visit:  www.CENTRALPARKSUMMERCONCERTS.com [2]

In the event of rain, the Concert will be held at 7pm at Merkin Concert Hall, Kaufmann Music Center, 129 West 67th Street (between Boradway and Amst