On Thursday, December 5, The Ambassador of Italy and Mrs. Claudio Bisogniero hosted a special reception in honor of The Choral Arts Society of Washington’s 33rd Holiday Concert and Gala – Buon Natale ~ at their residence Villa Firenze.
Guests were saluted by members of the Italian military as they entered Villa Firenze on the unseasonably warm evening. Upon entering the foyer, guests were greeted by an elegantly decorated Christmas tree in the Grand Hall. The evening began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Formal Salon.
While guests sipped fine Italian wines, The Ambassador with his wife by his side welcomed everyone, commenting on what a wonderful partner Choral Arts has been to the Italian Embassy, particularly during the Year of Italian Culture in the United States.
Olwen continued by acknowledging Gala Finance Chair Catherine Jones, Chair, Senior Vice President, DTZ and Silent Auction Chair Cristiana Anderson. She highlighted some items from the Silent Auction, known “as the best in town,” including a pasta cooking class in the kitchen of Villa Firenze by the Ambassador’s chef. She then turned the floor over to Scott Tucker, Choral Arts Artistic Director, who led “1/10 of the chorus” in a performance of four Italian carols, including Laura Denise Bisogniero’s favorite, “Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle.” The performance concluded with everyone singing two verses of “Silent Night,” one version sung in English and the second sung in Italian.
There are only a few more tickets available to Buon Natale, Choral Arts 33rd Annual Holiday Concert and Gala. For information, contact Patricia Kramer, Director of Development, at 202-244-3669, ext. 105 or email at PKramer@ChoralArts.org.
Not able to attend? Join us for Choral Arts’ holiday concert An Enchanted Christmas on December 16, 21, and 24 at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall.
