Opera Lyra - Italian Garden Party 2013

Back at the Italian ambassador’s residence, Opera Lyra was a magically fashionable night.

Opera Lyra à la Italian

A short concert featuring three talented Canadian singers performed a very entertaining night. There was close to 400 spectators in attendance.

The artists were:

Mezzo-soprano, Wallis Giunta

Soprano Lara Ciekiewicz

Benjamin Covey

The Hosts

The event was hosted by my favourite radio host, CBC announcer Laurence Wall. This year’s event was highlighted by the arrival of the new Italian Ambassador, his Excellency Gian Lorenzo Cornado and his wife, Madam Martine Cornado. The Ambassador has graciously provided the food and wine for the event.

He invited a long list of dignitaries (below photographed with Marilou from 20 York Street and I).

Despite the severe thunderstorm watch and the “go/no go” situation, the event took place on its scheduled date. There was some light rain that lasted not more than five minutes. Luckily, there was no show stopping thunder or lightening.

Ms. Giunta’s rendering of “Una voce poco fa” from Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Ms. Ciekiewicz’s rendition of “Quando m’en vo” from La Bohème, and Mr. Covey version of “Some Enchanted Evening,” have all captured the hearts of the audience. The evening closed with Ms. Ciekiewicz’s reading of the Italian song “Il bacio.”

The evening was coloured by the fashions of Earlene’s House of Fashion. Models donned gorgeous dresses to the delight of the ladies as well as the stylish looks of the spectators.