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• Aperitivo & Conversation with Maestro Christopher Franklin of MN Opera

  • When
    02 May 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    250 Third Avenue N, Suite 625, Minneapolis
  • Spaces left
    2

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  Join us for a special evening of Italian hospitality—exclusively for ICC members and their guests—featuring prosecco, light bites, and conversation with Maestro Christopher Franklin, Principal Conductor of Minnesota Opera and conductor of the upcoming production The Barber of Seville, running May 3–18.

  This free event offers a rare opportunity to meet the maestro in an intimate setting, just one day before he takes the podium for one of opera’s most beloved comedies.

  Praised for his vibrant performances, keen theatrical instincts, and deep connection to the Italian operatic tradition, Maestro Franklin launched his career in Italy, where he continues to live and work, and has built an international reputation for bringing energy, clarity, and artistry to both the concert stage and the opera house.

  His recent engagements include Otello in Novara and Rovigo, a concert with Juan Diego Flórez in Budapest, and productions at major houses including Minnesota Opera (La bohème, Roméo et Juliette, L’elisir d’amore), Teatro Regio in Parma, and Opéra Royal de Wallonie. Upcoming projects include Cavalleria Rusticana, Così fan tutte, Pagliacci, as well as a return to the prestigious Rossini Opera Festival.

  Appointed Principal Conductor of MN Opera in 2024, Maestro Franklin's tenure has recently been extended through the 2028–29 season.

  Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with one of today’s leading conductors in a warm and welcoming setting. Enjoy lively conversation, Italian hospitality, and a behind-the-scenes look at the world of opera.

  Space is limited—registration required.

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• Aperitivo & Italian Bites

  • When
    09 May 2025
  •  
    5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    250 Third Avenue N, Suite 625, Minneapolis

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  You're invited to an evening that captures the heart of what makes the ICC special—warm conversation, good company, and the simple joy of gathering around food and wine.

  Aperitivo & Italian Bites is a time to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new ones in a setting that feels more like home than an event. We’ll pour a spritz or prosecco, set out a few small bites, and let the evening unfold naturally—no program, no pressure.

  Whether you’ve been part of ICC for years or it’s been a while since your last visit, this is your place. Come as you are, stay as long as you like, and feel right at home with others who share a love for Italy and community.

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• Savor Italy: A Regional Wine Experience

  • When
    16 May 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    250 Third Avenue N, Suite 625, Minneapolis
  • Spaces left
    0

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  Savor Italy: A Regional Wine Experience

  Embark on an unforgettable tasting adventure with the Italian Cultural Center’s Savor Italy: A Regional Wine Experience events hosted by wine expert and ICC Board Member Stefano Follega. Each event will feature five carefully selected wines, light appetizers, and a guided presentation blending history, geography, and storytelling. Through stunning visuals and expert insights, attendees will refine their palates while immersing themselves in the culture and landscapes that shape Italy’s winemaking traditions.

  Friday, April 25 – Northern Italy: Discover the elegance of wines from Piedmont, Veneto, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, where crisp whites and bold reds define the landscape.

  Friday, May 16 – Central Italy: Experience the iconic wines of Tuscany, Umbria, and Marche, home to renowned varietals like Sangiovese and Verdicchio.

  Friday, June 6 – Southern Italy: Savor the warmth and intensity of wines from Campania, Puglia, and Basilicata, where ancient traditions meet bold flavors.

  Friday, June 27 – The Islands: Journey to Sicily and Sardinia, where volcanic soils and coastal breezes shape wines as vibrant as the landscapes.

  Born and raised in Rome, Stefano brings a lifetime of passion and expertise to each tasting. Growing up, he helped his family tend their olive groves, learned the secrets of homemade Italian cooking from his mother and grandmother, and watched his father and grandfather craft wine with grapes from the hill towns outside the city. Formally trained through the International Sommelier Guild, Stefano has worked professionally in the wine industry and loves sharing his knowledge.

  Whether you join us for one event or all four, this is your chance to travel through Italy’s vineyards without leaving the Twin Cities!

  Tickets are $60 for ICC members for a single event or $200 for the entire series. For non-members, tickets are $80 for a single event or $280 for the entire series.

  A special concluding wine dinner will be announced at a later date. Reserve your seat and raise a glass to this extraordinary journey!

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• CineFocus – Italian Cinema in Depth

  • When
    30 May 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    250 Third Avenue N, Suite 625, Minneapolis

  Register

  
  

  The Golden Couple of Italian Cinema: Marcello Mastroianni and Sophia Loren

  The Italian Cultural Center is thrilled to announce a new event series: CineFocus – Italian Cinema in Depth.

  CineFocus is designed for those who love not just watching Italian films, but understanding them. Each session features an aperitivo and a deep dive into a specific topic—from iconic directors and groundbreaking genres to cultural trends and cinematic movements. You’ll enjoy curated film clips, commentary, and lively discussion that bring fresh perspective to the artistry and impact of Italian cinema.

  CineFocus invites you to deepen your knowledge and enjoyment of Italian film in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Whether you're a devoted cinephile or simply curious about what makes Italian cinema so enduring, CineFocus offers an engaging and accessible space to explore, learn, and connect.

  This event is open to everybody and no knowledge of Italian is necessary.
  

  Presented by Ileana Tamberlani, Programming and Administrative Manager of the Italian Cultural Center’s annual Italian Film Festival.

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• Savor Italy: A Regional Wine Experience

  • When
    06 Jun 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    250 Third Avenue N, Suite 625, Minneapolis
  • Spaces left
    13

  Register

  
  

  Savor Italy: A Regional Wine Experience

  Embark on an unforgettable tasting adventure with the Italian Cultural Center’s Savor Italy: A Regional Wine Experience events hosted by wine expert and ICC Board Member Stefano Follega. Each event will feature five carefully selected wines, light appetizers, and a guided presentation blending history, geography, and storytelling. Through stunning visuals and expert insights, attendees will refine their palates while immersing themselves in the culture and landscapes that shape Italy’s winemaking traditions.

  Friday, April 25 – Northern Italy: Discover the elegance of wines from Piedmont, Veneto, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, where crisp whites and bold reds define the landscape.

  Friday, May 16 – Central Italy: Experience the iconic wines of Tuscany, Umbria, and Marche, home to renowned varietals like Sangiovese and Verdicchio.

  Friday, June 6 – Southern Italy: Savor the warmth and intensity of wines from Campania, Puglia, and Basilicata, where ancient traditions meet bold flavors.

  Friday, June 27 – The Islands: Journey to Sicily and Sardinia, where volcanic soils and coastal breezes shape wines as vibrant as the landscapes.

  Born and raised in Rome, Stefano brings a lifetime of passion and expertise to each tasting. Growing up, he helped his family tend their olive groves, learned the secrets of homemade Italian cooking from his mother and grandmother, and watched his father and grandfather craft wine with grapes from the hill towns outside the city. Formally trained through the International Sommelier Guild, Stefano has worked professionally in the wine industry and loves sharing his knowledge.

  Whether you join us for one event or all four, this is your chance to travel through Italy’s vineyards without leaving the Twin Cities!

  Tickets are $60 for ICC members for a single event or $200 for the entire series. For non-members, tickets are $80 for a single event or $280 for the entire series.

  A special concluding wine dinner will be announced at a later date. Reserve your seat and raise a glass to this extraordinary journey!

  Show details
• Savor Italy: A Regional Wine Experience

  • When
    27 Jun 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    250 Third Avenue N, Suite 625, Minneapolis
  • Spaces left
    17

  Register

  
  

  Savor Italy: A Regional Wine Experience

  Embark on an unforgettable tasting adventure with the Italian Cultural Center’s Savor Italy: A Regional Wine Experience events hosted by wine expert and ICC Board Member Stefano Follega. Each event will feature five carefully selected wines, light appetizers, and a guided presentation blending history, geography, and storytelling. Through stunning visuals and expert insights, attendees will refine their palates while immersing themselves in the culture and landscapes that shape Italy’s winemaking traditions.

  Friday, April 25 – Northern Italy: Discover the elegance of wines from Piedmont, Veneto, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, where crisp whites and bold reds define the landscape.

  Friday, May 16 – Central Italy: Experience the iconic wines of Tuscany, Umbria, and Marche, home to renowned varietals like Sangiovese and Verdicchio.

  Friday, June 6 – Southern Italy: Savor the warmth and intensity of wines from Campania, Puglia, and Basilicata, where ancient traditions meet bold flavors.

  Friday, June 27 – The Islands: Journey to Sicily and Sardinia, where volcanic soils and coastal breezes shape wines as vibrant as the landscapes.

  Born and raised in Rome, Stefano brings a lifetime of passion and expertise to each tasting. Growing up, he helped his family tend their olive groves, learned the secrets of homemade Italian cooking from his mother and grandmother, and watched his father and grandfather craft wine with grapes from the hill towns outside the city. Formally trained through the International Sommelier Guild, Stefano has worked professionally in the wine industry and loves sharing his knowledge.

  Whether you join us for one event or all four, this is your chance to travel through Italy’s vineyards without leaving the Twin Cities!

  Tickets are $60 for ICC members for a single event or $200 for the entire series. For non-members, tickets are $80 for a single event or $280 for the entire series.

  A special concluding wine dinner will be announced at a later date. Reserve your seat and raise a glass to this extraordinary journey!

  Show details