Westchester Italian Cultural Center

All Programs & Events

• Cinema Sotto le Stelle: Big Night

  

  Come enjoy a movie in the square!

  Thursday, Aug 19

• Cinema Sotto le Stelle: Tea with Mussolini

  

  Come enjoy a movie in the square!

  Thursday, Aug 26

• Cinema Sotto le Stelle: The Tiger and the Snow

  

  Come enjoy a movie in the square!

  Thursday, Sep 2

• Adagio- New!

  

  This class provides students with a sound grammatical basis while teaching everyday communication skills.

  Tuesdays, Sep 7 – Dec 7

• Moderato- New!

  

  Focuses on practical communication, increasing vocabulary and improving language comprehension.

  Tuesdays, Sep 7 – Dec 7

• Adagio

  

  Provides students with a sound grammatical basis while teaching everyday communication skills.

  Wednesdays, Sep 8 – Dec 8

• Forte

  

  Emphasizes active communication in Italian. Reviewing, expanding and perfecting pronunciation, structure and vocabulary for the purpose of active oral and written communication.

  Wednesdays, Sep 8 – Dec 8

• Moderato

  

  Focuses on practical communication, increasing vocabulary and improving language comprehension

  Wednesdays, Sep 8 – Dec 8

• Primi Passi in Italiano, Mommy & Me

  

  Language and cultural enrichment classes for children ages 2 ½ to 4 and caregiver. 

   

   

   

  Wednesdays, Sep 8 – Dec 8

• Sicily, Its People, Places and Traditions: What Makes a Sicilian

  

  On the occasion of the opening of the exhibit Sicilia Bedda!, Professor Gaetano Cipolla from St. John’s University will talk about Sicilian contributions to western civilization and the complexity of Sicilian identity.  Opening reception will follow.

  Thursday, Sep 9

• Sicilia Bedda! Exhibit

  

  Discover Sicily unique traditions through costumes, fine art and photography, ceramics, literature and a delightful display of marionette.

  Monday- Saturday, Sep 10 – Nov 9

• A Tribute to Astor Piazzolla

  

  World renowned pianist and director, Maestro Pablo Zinger, will honor the music of Italian descendant Astor Piazzolla, composer and bandoneon player.

  Saturday, Sep 11

• Girotondo

  

  Language and cultural enrichment classes for children 4 and 5 years of age

  Saturdays, Sep 11

• Piccoli Cuochi: Pizza alla Nutella

  

  Hands on culinary class for children ages 5 to 12, presented in our demonstration kitchen by Cathy Blanco.

  Saturday, Sep 11

• Arcobaleno

  

  Language and cultural enrichment classes for children 6, 7 and 8 years of age

  Saturdays, Sep 11 – Dec 11

• Navigando

  

  This class provides students with a sound grammatical basis while teaching everyday communication skills.

  Saturdays, Sep 11 – Dec 11

• Primi Passi in Italiano, Mommy & Me- New!

  

  For children ages 2 ½ to 4 and caregiver

   

  Saturdays, Sep 11 – Dec 11

• From Fishing Boats to the Kitchen: Sicily’s Glorious Seafood Traditions

  

  Culinary book presentation by Toni Lydecker. A tasting of several Sicilian-style seafood specialties and Sicilian wines will follow the talk.  Capacity limited to 50. Must register in advance and prepay.    

   

   

  Tuesday, Sep 14

• Discover Italy! Emilia Romagna & Parma

  

  A travel presentation by Professor Barry Goldsmith from NYU. A tasting of regional food will conclude the evening.  Capacity limited to 50. Must register in advance and prepay.

  Thursday, Sep 16

• Baaría

  

  Film screening with introduction, Q & A, and reception during intermission. In Italian with English subtitles.

  Friday, Sep 17

• Celebrating the Century-old Manteo Sicilian Marionette Tradition in New York

  

  A family program presented by Tony De Nonno.  Presentation includes a brief marionette demonstration and film presentation.  Presented in collaboration with the New York State Council for the Humanities.

  Saturday, Sep 18

• Secret Recipes of Great Italian Chefs: Sicilian Recipes Every Italian Should Know

  

  Hands on culinary class and demonstration presented by executive chef Giusto Priola of Cacio & Vino in New York City. Capacity limited to 28. Must register in advance and prepay.
   

  Tuesday, Sep 21

• Italian Language and Literature Series: Le Origini della Lingua e San Francesco d’Assisi

  

  Presented in English by Professor Joseph Spedaliere

  Thursday, Sep 23

• Don Bosco, a Pioneer in Education; Maria Montessori, an Educational Revolution

  

  Lecture in English.  Must register in advance and prepay.

  Tuesday, Sep 28

• Celebrating the Life of Don Bosco

  

  In collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute of New York and  Salesian High School in New Rochelle we celebrate the life of Don Bosco on the occasion of the world-wide pilgrimage of his remains to the New York area. A special selection of related material will be on view in our library.

  Monday- Saturday, Sep 28 – Oct 5

• Day Trip to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

  

  Don't miss this historic event!

  Friday, Oct 1

• Life of Don Bosco - Film

  

  By Goffredo Alessandrini – 90 minutes

  Presentation and commentary by Father Pat Angelucci. Registration is required.

  Tuesday, Oct 5

• Intimate Conversations with Contemporary Authors: The Sicilian Seduction by Anna Mione

  

  Author of several books, Mione is an historical fiction writer who focuses on Sicilian immigration and culture.

  Wednesday, Oct 6

• Sicily, Its People, Places and Traditions: Sicily and Greece

  

  Lecture presented in English by Professor Gaetano Cipolla from St. John’s University

  Thursday, Oct 7

• Musica di Sicilia

  

  Singer Michela Musolino makes traditional Sicilian folk songs contemporary and turns her modern world fusion music into timeless pieces.A reception with the artist will follow the performance.  Must register in advance and prepay.

  Friday, Oct 8

• Piccoli Cuochi: Biscotti della Nonna

  

  Hands on culinary classes for children presented in our demonstration kitchen by Cathy Blanco. Children have fun while learning to prepare traditional biscotti.

  Saturday, Oct 9

• Wines of Southern Italy: Enotria, the Land of Staked Vines

  

  Wine lecture and tastings presented by author and wine connoisseur Charles Scicolone.  Seating is limited. Must register in advance and prepay.

   

  Tuesday, Oct 12

• Classic Books & Cinema: Il Gattopardo

  

  An insightful interpretation of the classic novel “Il Gattopardo” by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa presented in English by Professor in Residence Antonio Rutigliano from NYU. Lecture will address the historical and social context in which it takes place.

  Thursday, Oct 14

• Storie di Famiglia: Westchester County Cemeteries Records

  

  Patrick Raftery from the Westchester County Historical Society will discuss the best strategies for uncovering Westchester County records.

  Saturday, Oct 16

• Afternoon Cinema: The Leopard

  

  Luchino Visconti's 1968 film version of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s novel “Il Gattopardo”. In Italian with English subtitles.  Registration is required.

  Tuesday, Oct 19

• Italian Language and Literature Series: La Scuola Siciliana

  

  Presented in English by Professor Joseph Spedaliere

  Thursday, Oct 21

• Pier Paolo Jacopini Quartet: Quartet Renaissance Jazz Concert

  

  Italian quartet that blends the historical repertoire of classical Italian music with music from contemporary composers. A reception with the artists will follow the performance.

  Friday, Oct 22

• Secret Recipes of Great Italian Chefs: Contemporary Italian Cuisine - La Cucina di Casa Spadaro

  

  Hands on culinary class and demonstration presented by Antonio and Rina Spadaro from Spadaro Restaurant in New Rochelle. Capacity limited to 28. Must register in advance and prepay.

  Monday, Oct 25

• Intimate Conversations with Contemporary Authors: Across the Table by Linda Cardillo

  

  An unforgettable story of family and forgiveness, loyalty and love.

  Wednesday, Oct 27

• Afternoon Cinema: Il Postino

  

  Directed by Michael Radford. Screening in Italian with English subtitles- 118 minutes

  Tuesday, Nov 2

• Italian Language and Literature Series: Il Dolce Stil Nuovo

  

  Presented in English by Professor Joseph Spedaliere

  Thursday, Nov 4

• Discover Italy! The Heart of Tuscany - Montepulciano

  

  Presented by Marco Evangelista from Visit Italy. A tasting of regional delicacies and wines will follow. Capacity limited to 50. Must register in advance and prepay.

  Friday, Nov 5

• Sicilian Language and Poetry

  

  In collaboration with Arba Sicula,a not-for-profit international society whose main objective is the preservation and promotion of the Sicilian language and culture.  Must register in advance and prepay.

  Tuesday, Nov 9

• Intimate Conversations with Contemporary Authors: Dear Sister: Letters Home to Sicily from Wartime America by Pauline Spatafora

  

  A unique insight into the lives of Italians and Italian Americans during the tumultuous WWII period.

  Wednesday, Nov 10

• Art in a Bottle

  

  Wine lecture and tasting of selected Sicilian wines, presented by wine enthusiast Salvatore Cottone.  Must register in advance and prepay.

  Friday, Nov 12

• Piccoli Cuochi: Pasta A to Zeta

  

  Hands on culinary class for children presented in our demonstration kitchen by I Trulli Restaurant. Children have fun while learning to prepare various types of pasta.  Limited capacity to 28.  Adults will not be admitted without a child. One adult per child. Must register in advance and prepay.

  Saturday, Nov 13

• Storie di Famiglia: Finding Your Ancestral Records by Mail & Internet Research

  

  Peter Scalcione presents intermediate and advanced steps to help with your genealogical research using old and new technologies.

  Saturday, Nov 13

• Wine Dinner & Auction

  

  Celebrate Sicilian food & wine!  Wine dinner and auction of rare art and fine wines.

  Special for Members only- table for 8 at $900; full table must be purchased.

  Tuesday, Nov 16

• Sicily, Its People, Places and Traditions: The Arabs’ Paradise

  

  Lecture presented in English by Professor Gaetano Cipolla from St. John’s University.  Must register in advance and prepay.

  Thursday, Nov 18

• Nuovomondo

  

  Film screening with introduction, Q & A, and reception during intermission. Must register in advance and prepay.

   

  Friday, Nov 19

• Storia del Natale & Opening of Presepio Exhibit: Christmas Through the Ages

  

  On the occasion of the opening of Westchester Italian Cultural Center’s annual Presepio display enjoy a lecture on the history, development and evolution of Christmas. Holiday reception will follow.

  Tuesday, Nov 30

• Intimate Conversations with Contemporary Authors: Catina’s Haircut by Paola Corso

  

  Popular author Paola Corso, links stories of loss, hope, struggle, and freedom.

  Wednesday, Dec 1

• Holiday Presepio Exhibit

  

  Presepio is the most popular traditional Christmas decoration in Italy. Nearly every Italian home and Italian church has a beautiful and artistic nativity scene on display. On exhibit will be sections depicting life in the village and the nativity scene.

  Monday- Saturday, Dec 1 – Jan 12

• Classic Books & Cinema: I Malavoglia

  

  Lecture presented in English by Professor Antonio Rutigliano whose interpretation conveys Verga’s lyrical realism and the flavor of Sicilian village life superbly.  Must register in advance and prepay.

   

  Thursday, Dec 2

• Sicily: Culinary Crossroads – Classic Recipes and Traditions

  

  Presented by Polly Franchini from Oronzoeditions.com with the participation of Maria Tuttocuore from Sicilyguide.com. A discussion and tasting showcasing seasonal Sicilian culinary traditions and select Sicilian regional wines and cheeses.  Capacity limited to 50. Must register in advance and prepay.

  Friday, Dec 3

• Afternoon Cinema: La Terra Trema

  

  The Earth Trembles –150 minutes- Luchino Visconti's 1948 adaptation of Verga's “ I Malavoglia”. Screening is in Italian with English subtitles. Registration is required.

  Tuesday, Dec 7

• Secret Recipes of Great Italian Chefs: Feasting Sicilian Style! – Piatti delle Feste

  

  Hands on culinary class and demonstration presented by executive chef Salvatore Fraterrigo from Tre Otto Restaurant in New York City.

  Tuesday, Dec 7

• Italian Language and Literature Series: Dante e La Vita Nuova

  

  Presented in English by Professor Joseph Spedaliere

  Thursday, Dec 9

• Concerto di Natale

  

  Presented by TiPiace, Italian American Presentations, Inc.  Live Nativity show with holiday music to be enjoyed by the entire family.  A reception with the artists will follow the performance.  Must register in advance and prepay.  Special family rate: First child free, additional children $10 each.

   

  Saturday, Dec 11

• Presepio Workshop

  

  Our resident expert Joe Nocerino shows adults and children (ages 6- 12) how to start their own Christmas tradition by making a nativity set just in time for the holidays. To ensure the greatest enjoyment for all participants, the capacity of these events is extremely limited. Register for one of two sessions.  Registration must be prepaid. Senior member discount does not apply.

  Saturday, Dec 11

• Piccoli Cuochi: Dolci delle Feste

  

  Hands on culinary classes for children presented in our demonstration kitchen by Cathy Blanco. Children have fun while learning to prepare traditional holiday sweets. Limited capacity to 28 people.  Adults will not be admitted without a child. One adult per child. Must register in advance and prepay.

   

   

  Saturday, Dec 18

• Discover Italy! Benvenuti in Ciociaria

  

  Presented by Marco Evangelista. Discover the rich land of Ciociaria, its tradition, folklore, and delicacies.  Limited capacity; registration must be prepaid.

  Thursday, Jan 13