Toscanini called them “the best chamber orchestra in the world.” Since then critics and audiences around the world have echoed his sentiments. 

I Musici’s innumerable tours, celebrated recordings and impeccable artistry have crowned them with the aura of legend. 

This celebrated chamber ensemble will be at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Friday, March 21 at 8:00 PM. 

Tickets are $20 and $13. For tickets or more information call 314-533-7662. 

In this famous film directed by Luchino Visconti, Anna Magnani is a mother blinded by pride who hatches unrealistic plans for her daughter’s show business career when a famous director, Alessandro Blasetti, starts casting the role of a little girl for his movies. (1 hour, 52 minutes)

The films in Italian with English sub-titles and will be introduced by Dr. Carla Bossola, beginning promptly at 7:30 p.m. 
Admission is free.

MISCOMMUNICATION BY GROUP LEADERS AND AUTHORITIES ALMOST PREVENTED COMMUNITY FROM ENJOYING SOME OF ITALY'S MOST FAMOUS PERFORMERS WHILE PASSING THROUGH ST. LOUIS ON THEIR WAY TO ITALY FROM A SHORT ENGAGEMENT IN BRANSON MISSOURI.

The day is rescued by some very interested private citizens headed by Tony Gandolfo whose love for our heritage overcame what most organizers would deem impossible to achieve.    Within one day of discovering the layover in St. Louis by two groups of performers from Italy, overnight accomodations, an Easter lunch for all 41 people at Tony's home and a venue for both groups to perform in materialized almost from nowhere on the eve of a major holiday, Easter Sunday.
The two groups, folkloristic dancers and singers from the Lazio region and the world renown "Sbandieratori dei Borghi e Sestieri Fiorentini" ( Flag Throwers) from Florence will offer a free performance at the Bocce Club on the Hill this Easter Sunday promptly at 6:00 PM.  The troupe will depart for Italy early Monday morning.  We encourage, or rather we urge, everyone to attend this momentous performance--one that most will never have an opportunity to see again.  We realize that this is very short notice on a major holiday weekend but if it is any consolation just think of the impromptu organizers spending all of Holy Friday, Saturday and Easter Sunday pleading with community and associations leaders to secure the participation and minimal logistical funding necessary to make this possible.  We will recognize later and profusely thank all of the citizens who have been involved in this, from Tony Gandolfo, Antonino Lombardo, and Aldo della Croce to all association leaders and workers who have been involved,. But in the meantime, all of you readers can do your part by just showing up and telling a friend to come with you, and telling others to come as well, and to read their e-mail, as many don't usually do so on week-ends.

With perhaps a little minor rescheduling what an opportunity to crown your family Easter Sunday meal by taking your entire dinner party to the Bocce Club for a glorious performance of genuine Italian heritage.  We sincerely hope to see all of you Sunday, 6:00 PM at the Bocce Club on the Hill.  Come one, come all.  Grazie, Buona Pasqua e arrivederci al Bocce Club at 2210 Marconi Avenue, one block south of St. Ambrose Church.

PS. For a preview you are welcome to browse the "Sbandieratori" internet site http://www.sbandieratori.it