Update: The June 15 event, Opera in the Piazza, has been canceled. According to event organizers, “The City of New Orleans just informed us that the renovation of the Piazza d’Italia will not be completed by the date of our event, and the timeline for completion remains uncertain, so we have been left with no choice but to cancel the event. We look forward to hosting Opera in the Piazza in 2019.”
At 7 p.m. on June 15, the American Italian Cultural Center (AICC) will bring Opera in the Piazza back to New Orleans. In coordination with the Loyola College of Music & Arts and the New Orleans Opera Association, the AICC will host the concert of Italian opera arias in the newly renovated Piazza d’Italia at 377 Poydras Street.
After its inception in 1978 from architect Charles Moore, the Piazza d’Italia was subject to widespread critical acclaim from artists and architects alike. Since then, the piazza has experienced periods of both success and deterioration. Its first restoration project came in 2004 in an agreement Loews Hotel, and piazza has experienced several attempts at restoration since.
This show comes after the iconic piazza has undergone its latest restoration. The postmodern testament to the traditional piazzas found throughout Italy incorporates all five orders of classical architecture, and, for many, the piazza is the perfect venue for this kind of event.
A slew of food and beverage vendors will coincide with the night of music, courtesy of Reginelli’s, Piccola Gelateria, Petit Rouge and Nor-Joe Imports. Naturally, attendees will have a vast selection of wine to choose from as well. The Louisiana Chapter of the Ferrari Club of America will also join this celebration of Italian opera, with numerous Ferraris on-display.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and tickets are available for $15 for AICC members and $20 for non-members until June 12. After this date, tickets will cost $25 and will also be available at the door. However, memberships are always available through their website or by phone at (504) 522-7294. In addition, the AICC is providing a limited number of VIP tickets starting at $50. These tickets include priority seating, access to the AICC, private restrooms, complimentary wine and snacks, and tickets for food and drinks.
Additional information can be found on the American Italian Cultural Center’s website. For questions and inquiries, the American Italian Cultural Center can be contacted at (504) 522-7294 or [email protected]. Check out our coverage of past opera events in New Orleans here.
