Opera isn’t just about big voices in big halls. Sometimes, the real magic happens when you can hear the singer breathe. That was the vibe at The Next Act gala on Tuesday, October 7, where the Teatro alla Scala Association of America brought Italian culture right into the heart of Manhattan.
Held at The New York Historical Society, the event wasn’t just a fundraiser. It was a statement that beauty and style still matter in New York. With a dress code of “Milanese Chic,” the night proved that elegance is a public value worth protecting. Soprano Federica Lombardi and mezzo-soprano Samantha Hankey performed in a space that made their art feel intimate and personal.
Rediscovering Toscanini
The evening centered on a name many know but few truly understand: Arturo Toscanini. The maestro reshaped this city’s expectations of musical excellence long ago. This gala reminded us that his legacy is still alive and kicking in New York. The program highlighted how the Italian tradition demands that civilization possess both style and substance.
Supporters like the Consulate General of Italy in New York, along with brands such as Armani, Brioni, and Campari, showed up to back this cultural stewardship. They understand that preserving opera houses and culinary rites is about more than nostalgia. It’s about keeping the soul of the city intact.
Counting the Italian Contribution
While the gala celebrated high art, the broader Italian heritage in New York runs deep in the streets too. Ray Guarini, who founded the Italian Enclaves Historical Society, is working to document these neighborhoods before they vanish. From churches to cemeteries, his nonprofit monitors all aspects, constructing a database encompassing nearly 900 neighborhoods and 600 churches.
Guarini emphasizes the sheer scale of this community. “It is truly important to document these places because there are almost 18 million Italian Americans in the United States, thus representing the fifth-largest ethnic group,” Guarini said, according to amNewYork. He also pointed out the military service of the community, noting, “In World War II, for instance, Italians were the largest ethnic group fighting for the United States, with almost 1.5 million represented in the armed forces.”
From Butcher Shops to Pizzerias
On the ground level, the West Village holds its own treasures. Faicco’s Italian Specialty, a deli celebrating 126 years, traces its roots back to 1897 when Eduardo Faicco arrived from Sorrento. He started as a butcher after getting outraged by a sausage with a piece of wood in it, deciding to bring his own standards to America.
Today, the store keeps a neon-green sign under John’s Pizza honoring its predecessor, Port’Alba. General manager Kevin Jackson said, “We try our best, as far as the Italian culture, to really represent the pizza; every pizza is made with love. Just like an old Italian mom would make a pizza.” American society has received countless treasures from the community in the forms of food, art, music, literature and religion through these local spots.
New York often feels like it’s losing its mind to the latest trend, but nights like this ground us. Toscanini taught us that excellence requires discipline and respect. The Next Act proved that the Italian influence isn’t just history; it’s a living, breathing force in our cultural DNA.
This is opinion and commentary from the RapForMayor team.
