New York, February 19, 2025 — Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò at New York University is proud to announce the return of its celebrated series, Adventures in Italian Opera with Fred Plotkin, featuring an extraordinary lineup of guests from the opera world. This Spring 2025 season will include intimate conversations with some of the most esteemed artists and conductors in opera today, offering audiences rare insights into their careers, artistry, and connections to Italy.
Since its inception in 2006, Fred Plotkin’s series has become a cornerstone of Casa Italiana’s cultural programming. With his incomparable expertise and storytelling ability, Plotkin has hosted some of the most iconic voices in opera, from living legends to rising stars. The series has provided audiences with firsthand accounts of life on the world’s greatest stages, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and deep explorations into the craft and passion of opera.
The upcoming season features a world-class roster of guests:
René Pape (March 5) — Renowned bass currently starring as Rocco in the Metropolitan Opera’s Fidelio.
Federica Lombardi (April 1) — Italian soprano performing as the Countess Almaviva in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro at the Met.
Isabel Leonard (April 22) — New York-born mezzo-soprano starring as Rosina in Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia.
Corrado Rovaris (April 29) — Esteemed conductor and Music Director of Opera Philadelphia.
What sets Adventures in Italian Opera with Fred Plotkin apart is its engaging, conversational format. Each event is an opportunity for audiences to hear candid stories from leading artists, explore the nuances of operatic performance, and celebrate the rich traditions of Italian opera. Moreover, all events are free and open to the public, embodying Casa Italiana’s commitment to making opera and cultural dialogue accessible to all.
“Our priority is to spread awareness of this series and its incredible archive, which is available online free of charge on our website www.casaitaliananyu.org,” says Julian Sachs, Program and Media Coordinator at Casa Italiana and NYU Adjunct Professor currently teaching a course titled “A Night at the Opera.” “Whether you are a lifelong opera enthusiast, a student of the arts, or newly curious about the world of opera, this is an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the greats of the industry in a welcoming and intimate setting.”
All events will take place at Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò (24 West 12th Street, New York, NY) at 6:30 PM. Attendance is on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information and to explore past events, visit www.casaitaliananyu.org.
