Taste of Opera
Enhance your at-home opera-going experience with a Taste of Opera event from your home! Classical Minnesota Public Radio and MN Opera team up to bring you a full night of opera and entertainment from your own home.
Tune in to Classical Minnesota Public Radio’s rebroadcast of 2019’s critically acclaimed production of Verdi’s La Traviata on Thursday, April 30 at 7pm. Boasting sumptuous, hummable melodies, this beloved opera is a timeless depiction of what it means to live and die for love. Soprano Nicole Cabell sparkles as the glamorous and doomed Violetta and tenor Jesús León shines in his company debut as her naïve lover, Alfredo.
Want to do more than just listen? Why not make a night of it? Read on for ways to learn more about the opera and see how you can become a part of the action!
Thursday, April 30 – Hone Your Inner Cook!
Join MN Opera for an Italian-themed evening of opera – at home! Listen to the MPR broadcast of La Traviata while you enjoy fine Italian food and beverage.
Thank you to The Italian Cultural Center for partnering with us for this Taste of Opera: Italian Style! The following menu has been curated by Romina Montanari, Food and Wine Event Manager at The Italian Cultural Center.
Menu
Signature Italian Drink: Bellini with strawberries and basil
Antipasto: Crostini al gorgonzola con pera & noci (gorgonzola cheese crostinis with pears and walnuts)
Primo: Risotto alla Giuseppe Verdi (video from chef Massimo Spigaroli and The Parmigiano Reggiano’s Consortium)
Secondo: Petto di pollo all’aceto balsamico (Chicken breast with balsamic vinegar)
Dolce: Crema di mascarpone al limoncello (Mascarpone cream with limoncello)
Don’t feel like cooking? Support your local restaurant and order online for safe take out!
‘Authentic Italian’ implies some staple dishes and Red Rabbit certainly delivers. A selection of perfectly prepared pizzas with a thin and crispy crust – like the Old-World Margherita or the Spicy Salami – are always a hit with the entire family. The selection of traditional pastas are no different. From the Lasagna or Spaghetti & Meatballs to the Tortelloni and the Shrimp Garganelli – all are flavorful dishes that will satisfy your Italian food cravings. The approachable menu also includes a sampling of delicious starters like the meatballs, burrata, the cheese & salami board, and, of course, the oysters. They’re perfect for sharing with family over cocktails or as a tantalizing starter for dinner.
For wine pairings and other libation necessities, Surdyk’s is a local favorite. For safe shopping, pre-order, and curbside pickup information, visit surdyks.com/.
More about the Italian Cultural Center:
Founded in 2006, the Italian Cultural Center (ICC) of Minneapolis and St. Paul is an independent, non-political, non-profit organization open to anyone interested in the unique phenomena of Italian culture. They offer a comprehensive approach to Italian language and culture and reject stereotypes and divisive rhetoric.
ICC’s Mission is to promote the knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Italian language and culture through educational and cultural events in the greater Twin Cities area.
ICC’s Vision is to create a broad and inclusive cultural community by serving as a beacon for classic and contemporary Italian culture through its language, arts, food, science and technology.
Additional Entertainment for Your Exciting Night In!
Sing Your Heart Out
Have you ever dreamed of getting on stage and singing in an opera chorus? Join MN Opera Chorus Master Andrew Whitfield as he takes you through each voice part of La Traviata’s famous “Brindisi” chorus and then sing along as you listen to the broadcast.
Opera Insights
Enjoy a free, fun, and informative half-hour podcast with MN Opera Teaching Artist Pablo Siqueiros, which includes an overview of the characters and music of La Traviata, historical and cultural context for the opera, and highlights to watch for during the show.
