| Gala Preview of Franco Zeffirelli's Film Callas Forever |
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Fund–Raising Effort for New Art Scholarship
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If you live in the New York City area or plan to visit during the Columbus Day Weekend, don't miss the American premiere of Franco Zeffirelli's new film, Callas Forever. The Columbus Citizens Foundation will host the event on October 10th at the Ziegfeld Theatre in classic opening–night style complete with big–name celebrities, klieg lights, limousines, red carpet, and a pre–screening champagne reception. The preview is to serve as the inaugural fund–raising effort for the foundation's Franco Zeffirelli Scholarship for the Arts.
Diva and Director
Callas Forever takes a fictionalized look at the final days of opera legend Maria Callas (Fanny Ardant). In this tale, a "Faustian" impresario and booking agent (Jeremy Irons) enters Maria's life, convincing her to make an ill–fated comeback. Callas was an American operatic soprano, the preëminent primadonna of her day, and the first modern soprano to revive forgotten operas of the bel canto repertoire. Praised for the distinctive color of her voice, her dramatic presence, and her careful musicianship, she sang principally at Teatro alla Scala, the Rome and Paris operas, Covent Garden in London, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.
Callas was also a longtime friend of the Italian director Franco Zeffirelli, who has made his reputation by staging and filming the classics, including Shakespeare's plays (The Taming of the Shrew and Hamlet) and Verdi's operas (La Traviata and Otello). The prolific and multi–talented Zeffirelli has also worked as a designer and producer of opera, theatre, motion pictures, and television, and is particularly noted for the authentic details and grand scale of his opera productions.
Callas Forever Event Details
| Time/Date: |
Doors open 5:45 pm, October 10, 2002 |
| Location: |
Ziegfeld Theatre, 141 West 54th Street, New York, NY |
| Ticket Price: |
$250 ($240 tax deductible) includes: |
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—Pre–film Champagne Reception (6:00 pm) |
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—Preferred seating ticket |
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—Callas Forever commemorative movie poster |
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—Live introduction by Franco Zeffirelli and other celebrities |
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—Souvenir program |
| For Tickets Call: |
TicketWeb: (866) 468-7619 or to save service charges |
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call Columbus Citizens Foundation (212) 249-9923 |
| For Tickets On Line: |
TicketWeb |
| Attire: |
Business attire requested |
| Contacts: |
Robert DiLallo, Judy Reardon, Lorenzo Barracco |
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Day: (212) 922-0123 |
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Evening: (212) 922-2999 |
VIP Dinner to Follow Premiere
After the screening of Callas Forever, approximately 100 celebrities, dignitaries and major sponsors will return to the Columbus Citizens Foundation town house for an opera–themed dinner with such dishes as Tournedos Rossini, Zabaglione, and other interesting gourmet courses. Since Franco Zeffirelli is a native of Florence, the meal will draw its inspiration from the regional cuisine of Tuscany. It will be an opportunity for the group to mingle with celebrities and continue the festivities.
Philanthropic Focus
The Thursday, October 10th, event is being produced by the Columbus Citizens Foundation as part of its Columbus Week Celebration of Italian heritage and pride. Mr. Zeffirelli will also be the Grand Marshal of the Columbus Day Parade on Monday, October 14th at noon on Fifth Avenue. Aside from raising money for students of the arts, the preview of Zeffirelli's Callas Forever will also draw attention to the ever–deepening ties between Italian–Americans and Italians in Italy.
The mission of the Foundation is to provide funding in the form of educational grants and contributions to help those in challenged circumstances. The Foundation maintains its commitment to preserving the rich Italian-American heritage and supporting a range of philanthropic causes. Determined to make a difference, the Foundation has seized opportunities throughout its history to improve the lives of individuals, to enrich society, and to celebrate the contributions of Italian–Americans to this country.
