Retro Halloween Dance Party | |
Join us for a night of throwback fun at our retro ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s
and Latin Music dance party!
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Join us for a Halloween-themed dance party at the Columbus Centre as we host another not-to-be-missed evening of retro music, dancing, and fun!
MC Tony Bertini and DJ BUBBLES will be spinning your favorite tunes from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, along with Latin rhythms that will keep you on the dance floor all night. And be sure to dress for Halloween, as we’ll be awarding prizes for the best costumes!
Tickets are only $20.00 - see you on the dance floor!
Watch our promo video here.
Date: Saturday, October 21, 9:00pm - 2:00am
Tickets: $20.00
Location: Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Columbus Centre
Doors open at 8:00pm. Cash bar, snacks available. Open to ages 19+
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Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute | |
#TributeThursday – Donor Spotlight | |
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We love all the incredible immigrant histories shared by our donors for the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project. This #TributeThursday, we are delighted to share the journey of Vittorio and Rosanna Maneli, who immigrated to Canada in 1952 from Calabria and Marche, respectively.
Read an excerpt from their story, below.
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"Vittorio and Rosanna Maneli were Italian immigrants who each came to Canada in 1952 with their families in search of a better life abroad. Vittorio came from San Nicola, Calabria as a young teenager. Rosanna (maiden name Pasquini) came from Senigallia, Marche as a 12-year-old girl and recalled her voyage on the ship Saturnia with her mother and younger sister quite vividly as their arrival in December marked the very first time any of them had ever seen snow!"
Read their full story on our Immigrant Map and explore all the inspirational immigrant experiences from our donors.
Honour your own family’s history and legacy for future generations, with a customized name plaque on the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute installation.
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Learn Italian Through Contemporary Italian Literature | |
Register now for our first workshop of the fall season on Wednesday, October 18 at 7:00pm, when we will be discussing
“La ragazza con la Leica”/ “The Girl with the Leica” by Helena Janeczec. Our online book club is a unique opportunity to explore and discuss contemporary Italian literature while learning Italian.
Learn More
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A Musical Exploration of Legendary Italian Soprano, Renata Tebaldi | |
The great conductor Toscanini called Italy’s own Renata Tebaldi’s voice “la voce d’angelo” (“the voice of an angel”). International soprano Sara Papini takes us on a journey through the life and grace of this remarkable singer and the impact she made on the world of opera. Join us Thursday, October 19 and discover the glories of bel canto, through the reign of this legendary soprano.
Buy Tickets
Explore our other concert events in the Opera è Vita series: “How to Conduct an Opera” (Nov 16) and “Passion for Puccini” (Dec 12).
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An Evening of Italian and Popular Music | |
Back by popular demand, Beatrice Carpino (singer) and Adolfo De Santis (pianist) return to Villa Charities on Friday, October 20 to share the heartfelt music of Italy that they love! The dynamic musical duo will perform a selection of popular Italian songs, Neapolitan songs, and favourites by legends Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett.
Buy Tickets
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Cultural Tuesdays Explores the “New Michelangelo” | |
Join us on Tuesday, October 24 at 7:30pm for an interactive lecture and presentation celebrating the legacy of Italian contemporary artist Michelangelo Pistoletto, in honour of his 90th birthday. Often acclaimed as the “new Michelangelo”, this pivotal artist rose to prominence in the 1960s as a prominent figure in the “Arte Povera” movement, an artistic wave challenging traditional artistic conventions by exploring novel materials and concepts. A ‘Pay What You Can’ Event.
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Italian Immigrants and the Identity Question with Prof. Donato Santeramo | |
Join Professor Donato Santeramo on Thursday, October 26 for a presentation to discuss topics centred around Italian identity, and how it relates to customs, culture and language. Through the medium of film, Prof. Santeramo will unravel these complexities and delve into the idea of what it means to be Italian.
Register Now
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Enjoy a Concert by Candlelight with “Serenata Italiana” | |
Due to popular demand, our candlelight concert returns! Surrounded by candlelight, Italian-Canadian tenor Giacomo Folinazzo and special guest, Canadian soprano Maria Vetere perform a repertoire of canzoni, arias, duets, and popular songs in English and Italian. Accompanied by the warm tone of a cello and the timeless sound of the piano, Folinazzo and Vetere lend their highly distinctive voices, passion, and versatility to this acoustic concert, awarding the audience with a unique intimate acoustic experience like no other. Get your tickets now – Friday, November 3 at 8:00pm
Buy Tickets
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The Trio Kings - CD Launch Party on November 10 | |
You won’t want to miss this lively evening of live Italian music and storytelling at The Trio Kings’ CD launch party for “La Nostra Storia” (Our Story). A collection of renowned traditional Italian songs that resonate with Italian immigrants, “La Nostra Storia” celebrates Italian heritage and its vitality. Joining the trio, local author Robert Marrone will also share excerpts from his novel “The New Vine”, which tells a story of Italian immigration.
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Settimana Cucina Italiana nel Mondo – Reception and Award Ceremony | |
Villa Charities is proud to be the venue sponsor of the cocktail reception and award ceremony on Saturday, November 18 at 7:00pm at the Columbus Centre, to celebrate the World Week of Italian Cuisine (November 13 – 19). At this special event presented by the Federation of Italian Chefs of Canada (FIC-Canada), Chef Gianni Ceschia will be receiving the award for "Chef Patron", Chef Cosimo Ieraci for “Young Chef” and Chef Gino Marchetti for
“Senior Chef”. Tickets are $50 each and must be purchased in advance.
Buy Tickets
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Book Your Virtual One-on-One Meeting for Friday Chats with Marco | |
Have a question about our programs and services? Take the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc. Appointments are 20 minutes each between 11:00am and 12:00pm and must be scheduled in advance. The next available Virtual Friday Chats are scheduled for Friday, October 13 and Friday, November 10. Contact us today to schedule your virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 or email iusic@villacharities.com.
Book Your Meeting
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Our Fall Painting Workshops Begin Soon – Register Now! | |
Don’t miss your chance to further your passion for painting with workshops led by
professional artist and multi-award recipient Sam Paonessa. Our 8-week Artista Painting Workshop series begins on October 24, where a variety of subject matter will be explored including landscapes, wildlife and still life. Our Less Defined Landscape workshop runs for 8 weeks beginning October 25 and integrates both landscape and abstract styles, for the intermediate to advanced student.
Learn More
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Registration is Still Open for DanzArts Toronto’s 2023/2024 Season | |
DanzArts Toronto provides professional level training to students of all ages and skill levels. Registration is still open for our 2023/2024 dance season.
Please visit our website to view our full Recreational schedule or contact dance@danzartstoronto.com If you have any questions. Don't miss your chance to dance with us this season!
Learn More
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Compete for Top Place at our Monday Night Squash House League | |
Join our competitive Squash House League running Mondays to December 11 from 5:20pm to 9:00pm for ages 14+. Players compete with other players, accumulating points toward a final match between the top players for the win. Space is limited!
Learn More
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NEW! Supercharge Your Fitness with TRX® Classes | |
Gain strength and fire up your core with TRX® (Total Resistance Exercise). A great addition to include in your exercise regimen, this 60-minute TRX® class allows you to test your limits using just your own body weight and gravity. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, this class is for everyone looking to achieve their fitness goals. You’ll leave feeling stronger and accomplished. Available to Members and Non-Members.
Learn More
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Judo Classes for Children, Teens and Adults Now Available | |
Based on Jujitsu, Judo is a martial art and unarmed self-defence sport focused on throwing or pinning opponents with a minimum amount of physical effort. This program teaches students the basics of Judo and self-defence through various Judo techniques. Columbus Centre Athletic Club offers Judo classes for children, teens and adults. Available to Members and Non-Members.
Learn More
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Book Your Private Pool Party at the Columbus Centre! | |
Celebrate your special occasion with a private pool rental at the Columbus Centre! Columbus Centre Athletic Club’s large indoor pool is perfect for birthday parties, social functions or any other organized event. Contact the Membership Office today to arrange your booking and get ready to have fun in the pool!
Learn More
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Message from our Valued Arts Partner | | |
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Book L(a)unch! Release of English Translation of “AntoloGaia: Queering the Seventies, A Radical Trans Memoir” | |
You’re invited to the release of the English translation of “AntoloGaia: Queering the Seventies, A Radical Trans Memoir” by Porpora Marcasciano (Rutgers UP).
Panelists include Porpora Marcasciano (author), Sara Galli and Mohammad Jamali (foreword authors), Francesco Pascuzzi and Sandra Waters (translators).
Most of the panel will be in English although Porpora will speak in Italian and be translated. Advance registration is required!
Friday, October 13 at 12:00pm ET
Register Now
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Our Mission:
Enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage.
Our Vision:
Inspiring people to explore the Italian in all of us.
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901 Lawrence Ave W, Toronto, ON, M6A 1C3 I About Us
Villa Charities Foundation Charitable Registration Number: 89337 0767 RR001
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