Cape Italian language students experience Opera at the Beach

Thanks to the generosity of UNICO Rehoboth and the Delaware Commission on Italian Heritage and Culture, as well as Maria Theresa Morrison and Nicola Caggiano Sr. in particular, Cape Henlopen High School’s Italian teacher Cristina Christy recently introduced a few of her Italian students to an evening of opera.

Christy extended an invitation to attend a Sept. 28 performance of Opera at the Beach, at no cost, first to her seniors and juniors, and then to her sophomores. She was joined by Cape’s chorus and chorale teacher Marian Sunnergren.

Held in St. Edmond Catholic Church in Rehoboth Beach, the concert started with a violin prelude by Gregory Langer. Then it flowed into a compilation of well-known arias from various operas as sung and interpreted by Andrea Arena and Dante Fiore. Accompanying every song was pianist Matthew Jewell.

Following the concert, the guests moved to the church hall for a dinner of Italian dishes skillfully prepared by Casa di Leo restaurant staff.

“I was overjoyed to be able to introduce my students to a genre of music that most young students don’t know or appreciate,” said Christy. “All of my students who attended commented that even though they did not understand most of what was being sung (many arias were in French, others in Italian dialect), they were amazed by the notes that the singers were able to hit and hold!”

The students showed their appreciation for the experience by assisting in the cleanup, after eating their cannoli, of course. Christy said Cape district families are fortunate to have opportunities such as these to be exposed to other languages, cultures and cuisine.

The evening was a benefit for cancer research and prevention. When Arena dedicated “O Mio Babbino Caro” (My Dear Daddy) to her father in the front pew, Christy said she was moved to tears. “My own father passed away in 1999 of cancer,” said Christy. “I can remember my Italian grandfather singing the arias to me as a child, so although there were tears, they were mostly happy ones!”

On behalf of Cape’s Italian students, their parents, and the Italian and chorus teachers, Christy extends thanks and says, “Grazie” for an unforgettable evening.