Italian music has always fascinated the world with its melody, its evocative lyrics, and its ability to move. From the great classics of singer-songwriter music to immortal opera arias, The Italian Choir It's a cultural bridge that unites generations and peoples. But what happens when this tradition crosses the ocean and arrives in the heart of the American capital?
A Washington, D.C., Italian culture continues to find new spaces of expression thanks to the’Italian Cultural Society (ICS), which launches an unprecedented initiative: the creation of the first Italian Choir of Washington DC.. A musical and cultural project created to bring together Italians, Italian-Americans, and enthusiasts of the Italian language and music through song.
The project was born with the aim of offering a unique experience that not only celebrates Italian music but also becomes a meeting point for the community. The project was made possible thanks to the support of Francesca Casazza, executive director of the’ ICS.
A repertoire between tradition and Italian singer-songwriter music
The choir, directed by Maestro Diego Rodriguez, will start with a repertoire entirely in Italian, designed to involve participants in a gradual musical path. We'll begin with a "soft" approach, performing songs by famous Italian singer-songwriters like Lucio Battisti, and then explore other artists who have marked the history of Italian music.
The goal is to offer a repertoire that resonates with Italians and Italian-Americans, but is also accessible and engaging for those who, despite not having Italian origins, wish to explore the language and culture through song.
An experience for Italians, Italian-Americans, and Italian language enthusiasts
The Italian Choir of Washington DC is open to all:
- Italians and Italian-Americans who want to rediscover and share their cultural and musical roots;
- Americans of Italian origin, who perhaps already know some of the songs proposed and want to rediscover them in a choral context;
- Italian language enthusiasts who see singing as a fun and immersive way to learn and improve their Italian.
No previous singing experience is required: the only requirement is a passion for music and desire to participate.
Information and registration
Rehearsals will be held every Monday evening, from March 3 to May 12, at the headquarters of the’ICS. The cost to participate in the ten-session series is $195 ($175 for ICS members, with a minimum of eight participants).
To register or obtain more information, you can contact Blessed Mannella, Marketing and Event Coordinator of the ICS, at ics.eventi@italianculturalsociety.org.
With this initiative, the’Italian Cultural Society further enriches Washington's cultural landscape, offering a special opportunity to experience Italian music in a passionate and community-based context.
Music has the power to unite, to overcome distances and create bonds that go beyond words. Whether you're Italian, Italian-American, or simply a lover of Italian culture, singing together is an extraordinary way to share emotions, have fun, and, at the same time, discover or rediscover the songs that have made the history of the Italian music. An experience that is not only artistic, but also profoundly human, capable of transforming every note into a bridge between past and present, between cultures and generations.
Introducing The Italian Choir of Washington DC: Music as a Cultural Bridge Between Italy and the United States
Italian music has long captivated the world with its melodies, evocative lyrics, and profound emotional power. From timeless opera arias to the classics of Italian singer-songwriters, Italy's rich musical heritage serves as a cultural bridge, connecting generations and nations. But what happens when this tradition crosses the ocean and reaches the heart of the US capital?
In Washington DC, Italian culture continues to find new avenues of expression, thanks to the Italian Cultural Society (ICS) and its latest initiative: the creation of the first Italian Choir of Washington DC. This musical and cultural project is designed to bring together Italians, Italian Americans, and all those who love the Italian language and its music through the universal joy of singing.
The initiative was created with the goal of offering a unique experience—one that not only celebrates Italian music but also serves as a gathering place for the community. It has been made possible thanks to the support of Francesca Casazza, Executive Director of ICS.
A Repertoire Blending Tradition and Italian Songwriting
Under the direction of Maestro Diego Rodriguez, the choir will explore a repertoire entirely in Italian, designed to gradually engage participants in a rich musical journey. The program will start with a gentle introduction, featuring songs from iconic Italian singer-songwriters such as Lucio Battisti, before expanding to include other influential artists in Italian music history.
The goal is to offer a selection of songs that resonate with both Italians and Italian Americans while also being accessible and engaging for those without Italian heritage who wish to experience the language and culture through music.
An Experience for Italians, Italian Americans, and Italian Language Enthusiasts
The Italian Choir of Washington DC. welcomes everyone:
- Italians and Italian Americans looking to reconnect with and share their cultural and musical roots;
- Americans of Italian descent, who may already know some of the featured songs and wish to rediscover them in a choral setting;
- Italian language enthusiasts, who see singing as a fun and immersive way to learn and improve their Italian.
No prior singing experience is required—just a love for music and the desire to participate!
Rehearsals & Registration
Rehearsals will take place every Monday evening from March 3 to May 12 at the ICS headquarters.The cost for the full 10-session program is $195 ($175 for ICS members, with a minimum of eight participants required).
For registration or further information, please contact Benedetta Mannella, Marketing & Event Coordinator at ICS, at ics.eventi@italianculturalsociety.org.
With this initiative, the Italian Cultural Society further enriches Washington's cultural landscape, offering a unique opportunity to experience Italian music in a welcoming and dynamic community setting.
Music has the power to unite, to transcend distances, and to create bonds that go beyond words. Whether you are Italian, Italian American, or simply a lover of Italian culture, singing together is a powerful way to share emotions, have fun, and rediscover the songs that have shaped Italian musical history.
More than just an artistic endeavor, this choir is a deeply human experience—one that transforms every note into a bridge between past and present, between cultures and generations.
