A little bit of Naples in Manchester on Saturday ……. one to do

Now when you have been adopted by a  family from Naples, you pretty much get your fair share of Neapolitan songs, so I looking forward to “Neapolitan song and life in Naples” by Angelo Farnetano, which is hosted by the Dante Society.

And will be a zoom meeting.

“Over the last 6 centuries thousands of songs have been written in Neapolitan dialect and some of them have become famous around the world.  

These songs are not just a combination of nice worlds and music but they offer an amazing picture of people's life in Naples. 

Taking advantage of these extraordinary musical treasure, we will explore some of the deepest aspects of Neapolitan culture by listening some of the most famous songs written in Neapolitan dialect.

The event will be free and it will be held on line over Zoom on Saturday 14th of November at 18:15. 

Please follow the link below to join in.

Join Zoom Meeting, https://zoom.us/j/92306768954?pwd=NWRONGo1UzAyOUNOaDVSRU5xdERlUT09

Meeting ID:  923 0676 8954

Passcode:  029093

Make sure you connect 5-10 minutes before the scheduled time and wait until the host will let you in. Registration will not be required.

Please keep your microphone off throughout the meeting. Finally be aware that lecture may be recorded”.

So that is it.

I could say more but won't.

Picture; Naples, 2017, from the Simpson collection

 SOCIETA' DANTE ALIGHIERI – MANCHESTER

Il mondo in italiano – Promoting Italian Culture in the world since 1889

Email: dante@newfuture.org    

Website: www.dantemanchester.org.uk

https://twitter.com/LaDanteMCR/  Find us on Facebook

Today ..... Discovering Milan ….. without leaving Manchester.

Now here is one to do.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan 2009

Today -  4.30pm for 4.45pm start.

Cross Street Chapel, Cross Street, Manchester M2 1NL.

The Dante Society, is hosting a talk by Angelo Farnetano, who will offer a description of this fascinating and dynamic Italian city featuring its “main treasures, its life and its secrets, all accompanied with a selection of popular music. 

The lecture will take us for an imaginary tour around the city discovering its main treasures, its life and its secrets. Some songs will be played during this walk to add a bit of flavour to the visit.

 Some of the places which will be visited are:

Piazza Duomo, piazza dei Mercanti, piazza S. Alessandro, Chiesa di San Satiro and Castello Sforzesco.

 The talk will be followed by a social gathering with a glass of wine and nibbles.

With the Dante Society, Manchester, 2017

Admission: £ 2.00 members – £ 3.50 non-members”*

 To better arrange the necessary refreshments, it would be helpful if you could book in advance by emailing us at dante@newfuture.org 

Pictures;  Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, 2009, and he Dante Society does St Anns' Square, 2017 from the collection of Andrew Simpson


*SOCIETA' DANTE ALIGHIERI – MANCHESTER
Il mondo in italiano – Promoting Italian Culture in the world since 1889

Email: dante@newfuture.org    



Website: www.dantemanchester.org.uk

Discovering Milan ….. without leaving Manchester.

Now here is one to do.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan 2009

Sunday 19 January 2020 -  4.30pm for 4.45pm start.

Cross Street Chapel, Cross Street, Manchester M2 1NL.

The Dante Society, is hosting a talk by Angelo Farnetano, who will offer a description of this fascinating and dynamic Italian city featuring its “main treasures, its life and its secrets, all accompanied with a selection of popular music. 

The lecture will take us for an imaginary tour around the city discovering its main treasures, its life and its secrets. Some songs will be played during this walk to add a bit of flavour to the visit.

 Some of the places which will be visited are:

Piazza Duomo, piazza dei Mercanti, piazza S. Alessandro, Chiesa di San Satiro and Castello Sforzesco.

 The talk will be followed by a social gathering with a glass of wine and nibbles.

With the Dante Society, Manchester, 2017

Admission: £ 2.00 members – £ 3.50 non-members”*

 To better arrange the necessary refreshments, it would be helpful if you could book in advance by emailing us at dante@newfuture.org "*

So, that just leaves me to to go back to Milan Milan, because just after this story went live, Dave Wilkinson sent over his own picture of Milan.

Adding, "Literally in Milan right now!"

And because you can never get enough pictures of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II, I just had to include it.

Dave commented, "This was taken with my phone, I have loads more I have taken with my DSLR camera that I’ll be editing once I’m home today".

Now I bet we would all like to see them.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan, 2020

Location; Milan




Pictures;  Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, 2009, the Dante Society does St Anns' Square, 2017 from the collection of Andrew Simpson, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, 2020, courtesy of Dave Wilkinson


*SOCIETA' DANTE ALIGHIERI – MANCHESTER
Il mondo in italiano – Promoting Italian Culture in the world since 1889

Email: dante@newfuture.org    



Website: www.dantemanchester.org.uk

Today ......the classic Italian film .......Ladri di biciclette / Bicycle Thieves .......

Now, this is one of those stories that combines my membership of the Dante Society, with my passion for films and where I live.*

And along the way highlights the work of our own Chorlton Film Institute.**

So that just leaves me to announce that on December 19th, here in Chorlton is a showing of that powerful Italian film  Ladri di biciclette / Bicycle Thieves.

“This landmark 1948 Italian film is widely regarded as among the best films of all time. Ricci, an unemployed man in post-WWII Italy, finally gets a good job - for which he needs a bicycle. But soon his bicycle is stolen…...

In 1950 it won a special Academy Honorary Award as ‘most outstanding foreign language film’ six years before the category was added to the Awards.

The film is presented in association with Societa’ Dante Alighieri, with a short introduction in English by Dr Silvana Serra, PhD in Cinema, Event Organiser for Societa' Dante Alighieri, and Member of the Selection Committee for International Short Film Festivals. 

Ladri di biciclette / Bicycle Thieves is in Italian with English subtitles and has a running time of  time 1 hour and 35 minutes approx.”.*

So that is it.

Venue: St Clement's Church, Edge Lane, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, M21 9AE

Date; Thursday December 19

 Tickets are £5 - on the door only, no pre-booking or reservations.

Refreshments available including Panettone.

 Doors open at 20:10 – Introduction and Film starts at 20:30; film certificate is U


Location; Chorlton



Pictures; Scenes from the film, 1947, and the Dante Society in the Square, 2017, from the collection of Andrew Simpson

*SOCIETA' DANTE ALIGHIERI – MANCHESTER
Il mondo in italiano – Promoting Italian Culture in the world since 1889

Email: dante@newfuture.org   

Website: www.dantemanchester.org.uk



**Chorlton Film Institute  www.chorltonfilminstitute.co.uk     

The classic Italian film .......Ladri di biciclette / Bicycle Thieves ....... coming soon

Now, this is one of those stories that combines my membership of the Dante Society, with my passion for films and where I live.*

And along the way highlights the work of our own Chorlton Film Institute.**

So that just leaves me to announce that on December 19th, here in Chorlton is a showing of that powerful Italian film  Ladri di biciclette / Bicycle Thieves.

“This landmark 1948 Italian film is widely regarded as among the best films of all time. Ricci, an unemployed man in post-WWII Italy, finally gets a good job - for which he needs a bicycle. But soon his bicycle is stolen…...

In 1950 it won a special Academy Honorary Award as ‘most outstanding foreign language film’ six years before the category was added to the Awards.

The film is presented in association with Societa’ Dante Alighieri, with a short introduction in English by Dr Silvana Serra, PhD in Cinema, Event Organiser for Societa' Dante Alighieri, and Member of the Selection Committee for International Short Film Festivals. 

Ladri di biciclette / Bicycle Thieves is in Italian with English subtitles and has a running time of  time 1 hour and 35 minutes approx.”.*

So that is it.

Venue: St Clement's Church, Edge Lane, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, M21 9AE

Date; Thursday December 19

 Tickets are £5 - on the door only, no pre-booking or reservations.

Refreshments available including Panettone.

 Doors open at 20:10 – Introduction and Film starts at 20:30; film certificate is U


Location; Chorlton



Pictures; Scenes from the film, 1947, and the Dante Society in the Square, 2017, from the collection of Andrew Simpson

*SOCIETA' DANTE ALIGHIERI – MANCHESTER
Il mondo in italiano – Promoting Italian Culture in the world since 1889

Email: dante@newfuture.org   

Website: www.dantemanchester.org.uk



**Chorlton Film Institute  www.chorltonfilminstitute.co.uk     

Visions of Sardinia ............. films from the Dante Society .............. today

Now here is one not to miss, hence the advance warning ....... from The Dante Society.

Visioni Sardea

"A selection of short films about the people of Sardinia. We will discover how contemporary issues affect their lives – In Italian with English subtitles.

Introduction in English by Silvana Serra

Free admission

The screening will be followed by a social gathering with Sardinian wine and nibbles

Sunday September 22nd at 4.30pm       

Cross Street Chapel – Cross Street Manchester M2 1NL

Societa’ Dante Alighieri and Comites Manchester are pleased to invite you to the following screening

To allow us to organise the seats and nibbles please book in advance at dante@newfuture.org

The Societa’ Dante Alighieri has a branch in our city.*

“It was established in 1996, and the Manchester branch is one of the Society’s many branches around the world.

The Society’s headquarters are in Rome, and its mission is to promote the Italian language and Italian culture abroad.

Membership is open to both Italians and non-Italians, and members and supporters enjoy a wide programme of events throughout the year.

Members and non-members alike are welcome to attend.”*

So that is it.

Location; Manchester


Pictures; courtesy of the The Societa’ Dante Alighieri, and from the collection of Andrew Simpson


*The Societa’ Dante Alighieri, https://dantemanchester.org.uk/

Sardinia ........... a selection of films hosted by the Dante Society

Now here is one not to miss, hence the advance warning ....... from The Dante Society.

Visioni Sardea

"A selection of short films about the people of Sardinia. We will discover how contemporary issues affect their lives – In Italian with English subtitles.

Introduction in English by Silvana Serra

Free admission

The screening will be followed by a social gathering with Sardinian wine and nibbles

Sunday September 22nd at 4.30pm       

Cross Street Chapel – Cross Street Manchester M2 1NL

Societa’ Dante Alighieri and Comites Manchester are pleased to invite you to the following screening

To allow us to organise the seats and nibbles please book in advance at dante@newfuture.org

The Societa’ Dante Alighieri has a branch in our city.*

“It was established in 1996, and the Manchester branch is one of the Society’s many branches around the world.

The Society’s headquarters are in Rome, and its mission is to promote the Italian language and Italian culture abroad.

Membership is open to both Italians and non-Italians, and members and supporters enjoy a wide programme of events throughout the year.

Members and non-members alike are welcome to attend.”*

So that is it.

Location; Manchester


Pictures; courtesy of the The Societa’ Dante Alighieri, and from the collection of Andrew Simpson


*The Societa’ Dante Alighieri, https://dantemanchester.org.uk/

Bernardo Bertolucci, Alberto Moravia and a film …………. Il Conformista

Now here is one to watch today ………… hosted by the Dante Society. 

Vicola Del Forno, Rome, 2008

Bertolucci's Oscar nominated adaption of Alberto Moravia's novel which is a thriller set in the Fascist era, was the film which started his partnership Vittorio and it is widely considered one of the most visually dazzling and intriguing films of all time.

Sunday May 12, 2019 4.00pm for 4.15pm         

FILM: IL CONFORMISTA / THE CONFORMIST 
Bernardo Bertolucci  - 1970

"In Italian with English subtitles - Duration 112 min

Introduction by Silvana Serra – Q&A session to follow

Venue: Cross Street Chapel, Cross Street, Manchester M2 1NL

 Admission: £2.00 members – £3.50 non-members (drinks and nibbles included)

Nibbles and drinks will follow. Non mancate / Don’t miss it!

To organise seats and nibbles it would be helpful if you could book in advance at dante@newfuture.org "*

Pictures; Vicolo Del Forno, Rome, 2008, St Ann's Square, 2015, from the collection of Andrew Simpson 

*SOCIETA' DANTE ALIGHIERI – MANCHESTER
Il mondo in italiano – Promoting Italian Culture in the world since 1889

Email: dante@newfuture.org     

Website: www.dantemanchester.org.uk

https://twitter.com/LaDanteMCR/  

SYLVIA and SILVIO – A meeting of minds ...... Saturday April 6

From SOCIETA' DANTE ALIGHIERI – MANCHESTER

A talk in English about Sylvia Pankhurst and Silvio Corio

by Alfio Bernabei – curator of the exhibition ‘Sylvia and Silvio’ opening at the end of March at the Working Class Movement Library, Salford

 Saturday 6 April 2019 – 5.45pm

 Venue: Cross Street Chapel, Cross Street, Manchester M2 1NL


Free admission – The evening will conclude with a glass of Italian wine and nibbles.

To organise the refreshments it would be helpful if you could book in advance at dante@newfuture.org

SOCIETA' DANTE ALIGHIERI – MANCHESTER

Il mondo in italiano – Promoting Italian Culture in the world since 1889

Email: dante@newfuture.org       
www.dantemanchester.org.uk

https://twitter.com/LaDanteMCR/  Find us on Facebook


Thanks to Elena Palladino, our Executive Committee member, for helping Alfio Bernabei in organising the exhibition and this talk. GRAZIE ELENA!

Exhibition 'Sylvia and Silvio' https://www.wcml.org.uk/whats-on/events/exhibition-sylvia-and-silvio/

"A guest exhibition about Sylvia Pankhurst and her companion, Silvio Corio, illustrating the lifelong activities of this couple in spearheading campaigns centred on social justice, human rights and anti-fascism.

Silvio was an Italian revolutionary who arrived in London in 1900 after fleeing his country having been involved in anarchist and socialist militancy. He was aged 41 at the time of meeting Pankhurst in 1917. She was then 34, and already famous as a leading suffragette, with a passionate interest in anti-colonialism, humanitarian issues and revolutionary politics.

It was a meeting of minds that led to an intense collaboration, battling for justice and human rights.

The exhibition is curated by Alfio Bernabei, based on research for his book about fascism and anti-fascism among Italians in the UK between 1920 and 1940, and his award-winning Channel 4 documentary Dangerous Characters about Italian political refugees in the UK and the sinking of the Arandora Star in which 476 Italian civilian internees died on 2 July 1940".*

Event location: Working Class Movement Library

Runs: From 29th Mar 2019 to 23rd May 2019


Event time: 13:00 to 17:00
*Working Class Movement Library, https://www.wcml.org.uk/whats-on/events/exhibition-sylvia-and-silvio/

SYLVIA and SILVIO – A meeting of minds

From SOCIETA' DANTE ALIGHIERI – MANCHESTER

A talk in English about Sylvia Pankhurst and Silvio Corio

by Alfio Bernabei – curator of the exhibition ‘Sylvia and Silvio’ opening at the end of March at the Working Class Movement Library, Salford

 Saturday 6 April 2019 – 5.45pm

 Venue: Cross Street Chapel, Cross Street, Manchester M2 1NL


Free admission – The evening will conclude with a glass of Italian wine and nibbles.

To organise the refreshments it would be helpful if you could book in advance at dante@newfuture.org

SOCIETA' DANTE ALIGHIERI – MANCHESTER

Il mondo in italiano – Promoting Italian Culture in the world since 1889

Email: dante@newfuture.org       
www.dantemanchester.org.uk

https://twitter.com/LaDanteMCR/  Find us on Facebook 


Thanks to Elena Palladino, our Executive Committee member, for helping Alfio Bernabei in organising the exhibition and this talk. GRAZIE ELENA!

Exhibition 'Sylvia and Silvio' https://www.wcml.org.uk/whats-on/events/exhibition-sylvia-and-silvio/

Event location: Working Class Movement Library

Runs: From 29th Mar 2019 to 23rd May 2019


Event time: 13:00 to 17:00

The Victorians & the Reinvention of The Italian Renaissance ..... the talk

Now here is one to do.

Thursday 27 September 2018   6:30pm - 8:30pm

The Portico Library, 57 Mosley Street, Manchester

The Victorians & the Reinvention of The Italian Renaissance

Speaker: Emma Marigliano

From Giotto to Michelangelo, Dante to Petrarca, Florence to Rome, Italy's Renaissance left an indelible mark on the Victorians. Former special collections librarian, Emma Marigliano, explores how British artists and poets reinterpreted and mythologised Italian culture for the British public.

Italian nibbles and wine provided after the talk.

£5 members of Portico and Dante
£6 non-members / £4 students and unemployed

Booking required: dante@newfuture.org

OR with the Portico Library tel. 0161 2366785  events@theportico.org.uk      


Booking also possible with Eventbrite:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-victorians-the-reinvention-of-the-italian-renaissance-tickets-47419604313

And that is about it.

SOCIETA' DANTE ALIGHIERI – MANCHESTER
Il mondo in italiano – Promoting Italian Culture in the world since 1889
Email: dante@newfuture.org    
Website: www.dantemanchester.org.uk
https://twitter.com/LaDanteMCR/

 Picture; painting and detail, The Birth of Venus, 1484 until 1485 Sandro Botticelli  (1445–1510), ource/Photographer Adjusted levels from File:Sandro Botticelli - La nascita di Venere - Google Art Project.jpg, originally from Google Art Project. Compression Photoshop level 9.

All that is Italian in the City .................. and much more ... June 16-29

Wednesday 20 June (6.30pm)
Divine Monsters: From Past to Present
The Portico Library, 57 Mosley Street, Manchester
Art Historian Sara Riccardi will explore the historical representation of 'bestiari', which belonged to the wider collective Medieval imagination, of which Dante and Gessner were part. Sara will also present and explore the beautiful facsimiles of some illuminated early manuscripts of the Divina Commedia on display at the Library.
Barbara Bertoni of Imago, the Italian publishers of the facsimiles, will be on hand after the talk to discuss the manuscripts with you.
Drinks and Italian snacks to follow:
£5 members of Portico and Dante
£6 non-members / £4 students and unemployed
Booking required: Library tel. 0161 2366785
events@theportico.org.uk   or  dante@newfuture.org     

20-22 June (9.30am – 4.30pm)
The Divine Comedy: Early Manuscripts
The Portico Library, 57 Mosley Street, Manchester
FREE admission
Over just three days facsimiles of six of Dante's early illuminated manuscripts will be shown at The Portico Library. You will be able to view these stunning reproductions of the “Divina Commedia” up-close and discover some of the history of these amazing books.


Thursday 21 June
To learn more about the technical details of the manuscripts, drop in to the library at 3.00pm on 21 June to talk to Elena Palladino, Rare Books and Special Collections Librarian – member of Societa’ Dante Alighieri.


Friday 29 June (1.00pm)
Cross Street Chapel, Cross Street, Manchester
Location; Manchester

Picture; courtesy of  The Dante Society 2018

All that is Italian in the City .................. and much more ... June 16-29

Saturday 16 June (11.00pm to 4.30pm)
Cross Street Chapel, Cross Street, Manchester M2 1NL
FREE admission
Il mercatino del libro – Italian book market
Browse for those special second hand and rare one off books for adults and children.
Garofalo pasta tasting   (12.30pm to 1.30pm)
Pop-in to taste this exceptional Italian pasta which may have only arrived in the UK recently but in Italy it's existed since 1789.


Sunday 17 June
Manchester Day with Al Bacio and Dom’s
Join us for mouth-watering Italian food and drink throughout the day.
Al Bacio Restaurant, 10-14 South King Street, Deansgate, Manchester M2 6DW
Dom’s Tavola calda, 40-42 Deansgate, Manchester M3 1RH


Wednesday 20 June (6.30pm)
Divine Monsters: From Past to Present
The Portico Library, 57 Mosley Street, Manchester
Art Historian Sara Riccardi will explore the historical representation of 'bestiari', which belonged to the wider collective Medieval imagination, of which Dante and Gessner were part. Sara will also present and explore the beautiful facsimiles of some illuminated early manuscripts of the Divina Commedia on display at the Library.
Barbara Bertoni of Imago, the Italian publishers of the facsimiles, will be on hand after the talk to discuss the manuscripts with you.
Drinks and Italian snacks to follow:
£5 members of Portico and Dante
£6 non-members / £4 students and unemployed
Booking required: Library tel. 0161 2366785
events@theportico.org.uk   or  dante@newfuture.org     

20-22 June (9.30am – 4.30pm)
The Divine Comedy: Early Manuscripts
The Portico Library, 57 Mosley Street, Manchester
FREE admission
Over just three days facsimiles of six of Dante's early illuminated manuscripts will be shown at The Portico Library. You will be able to view these stunning reproductions of the “Divina Commedia” up-close and discover some of the history of these amazing books.


Thursday 21 June
To learn more about the technical details of the manuscripts, drop in to the library at 3.00pm on 21 June to talk to Elena Palladino, Rare Books and Special Collections Librarian – member of Societa’ Dante Alighieri.


Friday 29 June (1.00pm)
Cross Street Chapel, Cross Street, Manchester
Location; Manchester

Picture; courtesy of  The Dante Society 2018

Tonight at 6.15 pm ...... History from Italy ....... 1929-1945 ..... What really did happen?

Now there are many, many, myths and half truths which litter our perception of Italy’s role in two World Wars, and the impact of the Fascist dictatorship of Mussolini on the lives of Italians.

That oft quoted comment that “he got the trains to run on time” is grotesque in its summing up of a brutal regime which punished all dissent and took Italy into a series of military adventures culminating with its entry into the Second World War in 1940 on the side of Hitler.

And while some may mutter it was benign when compared to the horrors of Nazi Germany, this obscures the reality of the dictatorship.

In the same way the jokes about the Italian armed forces may have more to do with the simple fact that many Italians had no desire to fight the Fascist wars than anything to do with the bravery of their servicemen and women.

Indeed the sacrifice shown by the opponents of Mussolini during his rule and the heroism of the partisans in the final years of the war should put those jokes to rest.

Opponents like Riccardo Tonolli who was executed as a partisan in August 1944 and is commemorated by this simple memorial by the lake side in the town of Intra.

So with all this in mind I will be attending the second of two talks by Silvana Serra, on Italy 1929-1945 : What did really happen?

Hosted by the Dante Society, the “talks will aim to broaden the knowledge of - and provide some clarifications on - the dramatic events of the Fascism and the role of Italy in World War II. Events sadly often perceived too simplistically.  

A glass of wine and Italian nibbles will follow. During the social gathering you will have the opportunity to discuss the presentation.

Venue: Cross Street Chapel, Cross Street, Manchester M2 1NL

Date; June 6th 6.15 for 6.30 start

Admission:      members   £ 2.00   /   non-members    £3.00  
 It would be helpful if you could confirm your presence to dante@newfuture.org"

Location Manchester

Picture; war memorial to the Partisan, 2018, Intra, from the collection of Andrew Simpson

History from Italy ....... 1929-1945 ..... What really did happen? ...... the talk May 2nd

Now there are many, many, myths and half truths which litter our perception of Italy’s role in two World Wars, and the impact of the Fascist dictatorship of Mussolini on the lives of Italians.

That oft quoted comment that “he got the trains to run on time” is grotesque in its summing up of a brutal regime which punished all dissent and took Italy into a series of military adventures culminating with its entry into the Second World War in 1940 on the side of Hitler.

And while some may mutter it was benign when compared to the horrors of Nazi Germany, this obscures the reality of the dictatorship.

In the same way the jokes about the Italian armed forces may have more to do with the simple fact that many Italians had no desire to fight the Fascist wars than anything to do with the bravery of their servicemen and women.

Indeed the sacrifice shown by the opponents of Mussolini during his rule and the heroism of the partisans in the final years of the war should put those jokes to rest.

Opponents like Riccardo Tonolli who was executed as a partisan in August 1944 and is commemorated by this simple memorial by the lake side in the town of Intra.

So with all this in mind I will be attending the first of two talks by Silvana Serra, on Italy 1929-1945 : What did really happen?

Hosted by the Dante Society, the “talks will aim to broaden the knowledge of - and provide some clarifications on - the dramatic events of the Fascism and the role of Italy in World War II. Events sadly often perceived too simplistically.  

A glass of wine and Italian nibbles will follow. During the social gathering you will have the opportunity to discuss the presentation.

Venue: Cross Street Chapel, Cross Street, Manchester M2 1NL

Date; May 2nd 6.15 for 6.30 start

Admission:      members   £ 2.00   /   non-members    £3.00  
 It would be helpful if you could confirm your presence to dante@newfuture.org"

Location Manchester

Picture; war memorial to the Partisan, 2018, Intra, from the collection of Andrew Simpson

One to do today ..... an evening with Christina Rossetti

Now here is one to do and having said that I will just reproduce the invitation from The Dante Society

All the heaven is blazing – Tutto il cielo e’ splendente
Parallel Poems
Translated in Italian by Franca Maria Ferraris
Illustrated by Maria Teresa di Tanna

Today, 18 January 2018, 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm

The Portico Library, 57 Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3FF

Societa’ Dante Alighieri and The Portico Library invite you to an evening with
 Christina Rossetti

“Tutto il cielo e’ splendente” is the first Italian translation of her work. The Italian poet-translator and the illustrator will present their new book with readings in both languages and a musical interlude.
 Poetry reading
Franca Maria Ferraris                                        Italian poet translator
Maria Teresa Di Tanna                                      Italian illustrator
Kate Fuggle                                                       musical interlude

Presentation by Anna Maria Forti Sheikh.

Christina Rossetti, one of the most original voices of her century: 1830-1894.
An English poet born in 1830 to Gabriele Rossetti, a poet and a political exile from Vasto, Abruzzo – Italy and Frances Polidori, the sister of Lord Byron's friend and physician, John William Polidori.

Christina wrote a variety of romantic, devotional and children's poems including ballads, love lyrics, and sonnets.

Best known for her long poem Goblin Market, her love poem Remember, and for the words of the Christmas carol In the Bleak Midwinter.

Her brother Dante Gabriel Rossetti became an influential Pre-Raphaelite artist and poet.
Christina’s writing was influenced by the work of Dante Alighieri, Petrarch and other Italian writers. Her home was open to visiting Italian scholars, artists and revolutionaries.

The evening will conclude with a glass of Italian wine and nibbles.
 Tickets:
£ 5  members of Portico / Dante and students
£ 6  non-members

SOCIETA' DANTE ALIGHIERI – MANCHESTER
Il mondo in italiano – Promoting Italian Culture in the world since 1889
Email: dante@newfuture.org    
Website: www.dantemanchester.org.uk
https://twitter.com/LaDanteMCR/  Find us on Facebook

 Booking required:   T. 0161 236 6785 or email dante@newfuture.org or book online
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/christina-rossetti-presented-by-the-societa-dante-alighieri-tickets-40548931947

Location; Manchester

Pictures; Logo and portrait of Christina Rossetti, courtesy of Dante Society, and photograph, The Dante Society does St Anns' Square, 2017 from the collection of Andrew Simpson

One to do ..... an evening with Christina Rossetti

Now here is one to do and having said that I will just reproduce the invitation from The Dante Society

All the heaven is blazing – Tutto il cielo e’ splendente
Parallel Poems
Translated in Italian by Franca Maria Ferraris
Illustrated by Maria Teresa di Tanna

Thursday 18 January 2018, 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm

The Portico Library, 57 Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3FF

Societa’ Dante Alighieri and The Portico Library invite you to an evening with
 Christina Rossetti

“Tutto il cielo e’ splendente” is the first Italian translation of her work. The Italian poet-translator and the illustrator will present their new book with readings in both languages and a musical interlude.
 Poetry reading
Franca Maria Ferraris                                        Italian poet translator
Maria Teresa Di Tanna                                      Italian illustrator
Kate Fuggle                                                       musical interlude

Presentation by Anna Maria Forti Sheikh.

Christina Rossetti, one of the most original voices of her century: 1830-1894.
An English poet born in 1830 to Gabriele Rossetti, a poet and a political exile from Vasto, Abruzzo – Italy and Frances Polidori, the sister of Lord Byron's friend and physician, John William Polidori.

Christina wrote a variety of romantic, devotional and children's poems including ballads, love lyrics, and sonnets.

Best known for her long poem Goblin Market, her love poem Remember, and for the words of the Christmas carol In the Bleak Midwinter.

Her brother Dante Gabriel Rossetti became an influential Pre-Raphaelite artist and poet.
Christina’s writing was influenced by the work of Dante Alighieri, Petrarch and other Italian writers. Her home was open to visiting Italian scholars, artists and revolutionaries.

The evening will conclude with a glass of Italian wine and nibbles.
 Tickets:
£ 5  members of Portico / Dante and students
£ 6  non-members

SOCIETA' DANTE ALIGHIERI – MANCHESTER
Il mondo in italiano – Promoting Italian Culture in the world since 1889
Email: dante@newfuture.org    
Website: www.dantemanchester.org.uk
https://twitter.com/LaDanteMCR/  Find us on Facebook

 Booking required:   T. 0161 236 6785 or email dante@newfuture.org or book online
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/christina-rossetti-presented-by-the-societa-dante-alighieri-tickets-40548931947

Location; Manchester

Pictures; Logo and portrait of Christina Rossetti, courtesy of Dante Society, and photograph, The Dante Society does St Anns' Square, 2017 from the collection of Andrew Simpson

Now Mr Dante would be intrigued

This is Florence, and it is one of those shots that everyone takes from the tourist bus.

Florence from a far, 2014

As such it has nothing to do with Manchester other than that Dante Alighieri was born in Florence and the Societa’ Dante Alighieri has a branch in our city.*

“It was established in 1996, and the Manchester branch is one of the Society’s many branches around the world.

The Society’s headquarters are in Rome, and its mission is to promote the Italian language and Italian culture abroad.

The picture everyone takes, 2014

Membership is open to both Italians and non-Italians, and members and supporters enjoy a wide programme of events throughout the year.

Members and non-members alike are welcome to attend.”*

And that is the lead in to this event they are hosting during October and it  is the film Johnny Stecchino which will be showing at The Town Hall Tavern on Sunday October 22, 2017 – 3.45pm for 4.00pm.        

Johnny Stecchino was made in 1991 by Roberto Benigni.  It is In Italian with English subtitles  and is a witty, highly entertaining, and clever film which ridicules the Mafia.**

So if you fancy the film or want to know more about the Dante Society, just follow the link and make contact.

We joined in the summer and I have to say they are a friendly bunch and we got to do some fun things and learned a bit.

The one they don't take, 2014

And that I reckon id just what it should all be about.

And there are lots more things hosted by them during the course of the year.

I am tempted to mention the meal, but instead I shall just let you go looking for the the event on their web site.

You might also fancy catching up on what they did in the summer during Manchester Day which is both informative and a piece of outrageous self promotion on my part.

And I hope the Society and Mr Dante will approve.

Location; Manchester

Pictures; Florence in 2014, from the collection of Andrew Simpson

And just a gentle reminder if you want to see the film let the Society know so they can arrange a seat for you.




*The Societa’ Dante Alighieri, https://dantemanchester.org.uk/

**The Town Hall Tavern, 20 Tib Lane (off Cross Street), Manchester M2 4JA
 Admission FREE – drinks and/or snacks can be ordered and paid for at the bar.

Manchester Day ............ catching the attractions, https://chorltonhistory.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/manchester-day-catching-attractions.html