Albanese-Puccini Foundation holds Christmas concert and dinner
An intimate gathering celebrated the joys of the season in the Presidents Room at the New York Athletic Club. The president of the executive board of the Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation, Sachi Liebergesell, paid tribute to patron Annie Benoit, who passed away recently. She then acknowledged the presence of the legendary soprano Licia Albanese, who won a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her singing with Mario Lanza in the film Serenade (1956) and for her long career at the San Francisco Opera and the New York Metropolitan Opera.
Born in Bari, Italy in July, 1913, Albanese’s Metropolitan Opera career from 1940-1966 places her among the precious few who are truly legends. Stephen De Maio, who serves as its artistic director, spoke enthusiastically about the aims of the foundation begun by Albanese nearly 40 years ago. Master classes, scholarships, grants and guidance help young artists attain their operatic careers.
Basso Nicholas Masters sang the aria “La Calunnia” from Rossini’s Barber of Seville, in which gossip goes from a whisper to a cannon. Masters’ dark vibrant and powerful basso made us devour every succulent vocal morsel of this delightful aria.