Garibaldi-Meucci Museum Hosts A Trip to Operatic Italy

On Sunday, May 15 at 1 p.m. the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum's Terza Domenica Heritage Series will offer "A Trip to Operatic Italy." This audio visual presentation by Lou Barrella is a virtual travelogue of sites related to the glorious tradition of Italian opera.

During the summer of 2009, Barrella and his wife Kathleen made a pilgrimage to Italy to places important in the lives of Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini. This pictorial souvenir of their trip will be accompanied by appropriate operatic music, by these two great composers and others, that celebrates these beautiful locations.

Barrella is a master teacher who knows how to intrigue and motivate one's curiosity. His teaching style goes beyond mere lecturing, as he shares his appreciation, experience, enjoyment and understanding of the arts and humanities, especially Italian opera, with his audience. His commitment to sharing with others is evidenced by his coordination of opera trips for schools and cultural organizations, giving the groups pre-performance lectures to enhance their upcoming experiences.

During his 35 years as a dedicated music educator, Barrella has conducted symphonic bands and choruses, taught music and opera appreciation and collaborated with many cultural organizations. Since 1998 he has also given workshops and made presentations for the Education Department of the Metropolitan Opera Guild.

Over the years Barrella has been a guest lecturer for many cultural organizations, and has made presentations at Brooklyn and Wagner colleges; at Fordham, Hofstra and St. John's universities; at the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum and at the Italian Culture Museum of Queens College, CUNY. In 2003, he received the Dr. Leonard Covello Lifetime Achievement Award from the Italian Teachers' Association for his Outstanding Contributions to Italian Culture.

Seating is limited. Admission of $10 for non-members and $5 for members includes a light reception.

The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is owned by the Order Sons of Italy in America.

The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum was the home of Antonio Meucci, the true inventor of the telephone, and a refuge to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the legendary hero who championed the unification of Italy. For over 50 years the museum has fulfilled its mission to preserve the legacies of these great men, and to promote understanding of the Italian-American heritage through cultural, artistic and educational programs and classes.

Regular museum hours are 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is $5 per person, members and children under 10 are free. Call ahead for groups of 10 or more. The first floor of the museum is wheelchair accessible, however the restroom is on the second floor. At press time, program funding has been provided through the Order Sons of Italy in America; by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; Richmond County Savings Foundation; Northfield Bank Foundation; Coccia Foundation; JP Morgan Chase Regrant in partnership with the Council on the Arts & Humanities for Staten Island (COAHSI) and by grants allocated by New York City Council members Vincent Ignizio and James Oddo.