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Il Circolo Hosts Multiple Fun Opera Performances at Palm Beach

Il Circolo, the Italian Cultural Society of Florida, held a concert earlier this month at the Vera Lea Rinker Hall of Palm Beach Atlantic University. Italian opera highlights were presented by the apprentice artists and directed by Scott Guzielek, Palm Beach Opera’s Director of Artistic Operations. The program consisted of arias from Rossini, Donizetti, Puccini and of course, Verdi. The quality and professionalism of the artists was outstanding. Each one displayed the talent of a seasoned performer as well as together in the duet from La Boheme, the quartet from Rigoletto and the finale of the entire ensemble singing Libiamo from La Traviata.

The added thrill of the afternoon was the attendance of famed opera diva Virginia Zeani, who sang the title role of Violetta 648 times. Now 93 years old and confined to a wheel chair, she received a standing welcome from the admiring audience. She expressed a love of encouraging young artists and welcoming them to her lifelong profession. What a bonus it was for those apprentice artists to hear her say, “Veramente Bravissimi!” and she conveyed, via voice mail, to Daniel Biaggi, General Director of Palm Beach Opera, her praise and pleasure of the experience.

Il Circolo will continue to support Palm Beach Opera and plans to have another such program in next season’s calendar.  Visit ilcircoloflorida.org for more information.