The Italian Week team was delighted to meet with the Italian Ambassador to Australia

The Italian Week team was delighted to meet with the Italian Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Stefano Starace-Janfolla in Brisbane at Gianni’s.

The Ambassador praised the team for the work in promoting Italian Culture in a modern context and for the high level of cultural and artistic expression demonstrated during Italian Week 2008 and thanked the team for supporting the Consuls initiative. 

From Left  – Cav. Alessandro Sorbello (producer Italian week, His Excellency Stefano Starace-Janfolla, Italian Ambassador, Dr Francesco Capecchi (Consul of Italy for Queensland and Northern Territory) Anna-Maria La Spina, Phillip Di Bella, Mario Calli’ and Cav. Stephen Pellegrino

Opening of Puccini Spectacular by the Italian Consul.

Presented As part of Italian Week 2008. Dr. Francesco Capecchi, Consul of Italy for Queensland and Northern Territory officially opens the Puccini Spectacular featuring Rosario La Spina. The Puccini Spectacular was held at St John’s Cathedral in Brisbane. Internationally renowned artist born in Brisbane Italian/Australian Tenor with experiences at ‘La Scala di Milano’ Rosario La Spina recreates the power and passion of Italian composer Giacomo Puccini as we mark the 150th anniversary of his birth. You will be moved by beautifully stirring arias and choruses from Turandot, Madama Butterfly and La Bohème then experience a full production of Act I of Tosca, culminating in the magnificent Te Deum procession. With a star-studded cast in the majestic surrounds of St John’s Cathedral, this spectacular celebration of Puccini’s extraordinary musical legacy will inspire and uplift. Jacqueline Mabardi as Tosca, Rosario La Spina as Cavaradossi, Jeffrey Black as Scarpia Brisbane Symphony Orchestra & The Queensland Choir, conducted by Antoni Bonetti.