“We all agree that a film like VIVA VERDI! needs to be seen by the world. Now, perhaps more than ever, we need powerful messages that focus on a connection that crosses demographics, the life force that the arts provide and the emotional sustenance which is the common thread.” Ana María Martínez
The Opera League of Los Angeles is delighted to be in conversation with VIVA VERDI! documentary filmmakers, Director Yvonne Russo and Producer Christine La Monte with our special guest, Soprano Ana María Martínez and moderator, Gary Murphy. A big thank you for the participation of VIVA VERDI! premier partner, EATALY!
The eagerly anticipated VIVA VERDI!, currently in post-production and slated for a 2022 theatrical release, is an intimate glimpse into the lives of the celebrated opera singers and musicians living out their 'third act' while mentoring international music students at Milan’s unique retirement home, Casa Verdi, built by Giuseppe Verdi in 1896. Through one-on-one interviews and archival footage, the feature documentary follows the lives of these distinguished masters, shining a spotlight on Verdi’s legacy that is still alive and thriving over a century later. From these 'guests of Verdi,’ age 77 to 107, we hear an extraordinary array of personal and professional stories filled with music, magic and passion, and ultimately learn why Verdi called this remarkable home his 'best work.'
Following the filmmakers' Q&A, Ana María Martínez will discuss her involvement with the film, Casa Verdi, and her experience recording, 'Sweet Dreams of Joy,' an original VIVA VERDI! composition created by the film's music composer, Nick Pike. A 2021 short reel with moments from the film will be shown, along with Ana María Martínez’s original soundtrack music video. Our host and moderator, Gary Murphy, will then open up the conversation to the audience for a Q&A with the filmmakers. This exciting updated conversation to the members of the Opera League of LA and friends, is a follow up to the Opera League’s 2018 VIVA VERDI! in-person salon with Producer Christine La Monte, moderated by Gary Murphy, and generously hosted by Janet Ciriello, and her late husband, Nicholas Ciriello.
In addition to Director Yvonne Russo, and Producer Christine La Monte, the VIVA VERDI! filmmaking team includes Producer/Executive Producer Ron Simons; Executive Producer James Tumminia; Co-Executive Producer Simone Pero, and Co-Producer Federico Rodelli.
For More Information: vivaverdithefilm.com and facebook.com/vivaverdithefilm. VIVA VERDI!'s fiscal sponsor is the International Documentary Association (IDA) where donations to the film can be made.
