2026 Spring Gala

The International Friends of Festival Verdi (IFFV) Spring Gala 2026 was held on Thursday, April 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM, at the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse at Lincoln Center in New York. This annual event serves as the U.S. announcement of the upcoming Festival Verdi in Parma, Italy, and celebrates the legacy of composer Giuseppe Verdi.

Program Highlights from 2026

Aperitivo featuring the best of Emilia-Romagna: The evening began with an abundant aperitivo buffet featuring sliced-to-order Prosciutto di Parma, Salame Felino, Coppa di Piacenza and more. Parmigiano-Reggiano also played a starring role as did Aceto Balsamico di Reggio Emilia. The aperitivo concluded with a performance by Seungchan Hong and Anna Aistova from the Accademia Verdiana New York.

Teatro Regio Costume Collection Exhibition: The Sartoria of Teatro Regio di Parma presented a selection of historic and contemporary costumes from Festival Verdi productions.

Premiere of “Buonasera, Maestro!”, a new work commissioned by IFFV and realized by choreographer Marco Pelle. His immersive tribute to Giuseppe Verdi explored themes related to the composer’s Festival Verdi 2026 operas through a series of dance performances and musical interludes, culminating in a pas de deux performed by Luigi Crispino and Léa Fleytoux.

Gourmet Dinner: Guests enjoyed a seated dinner curated by chef Enrico Bergonzi of Ristorante ‘Al Vedel’ who led a team from Parma Quality Restaurants. The menu showcased the rich culinary traditions of Parma and Emilia Romagna.

2026 Fortunino Award Presentation: Mezzo-Soprano Teresa Iervolino was presented the 2026 Fortunino Award winner for her portrayal of Quickly in the much-acclaimed production of Falstaff from the 2025 Festival Verdi and Maddalena in Rigoletto in the Gala Verdiano.

Viva Verdi!: A special presentation was made to Yvonne Russo, director of the documentary film Viva Verdi!, and the trailer of the film was presented.

Verdi Off After Party: After dinner, guests stayed and enjoyed an open bar and DJ Olivier who take over and kept the party going.

Notable Attendees: Michele Guerra, Mayor of Parma and President of Teatro Regio di Parma; Stefano Nevicati, Mayor of Busetto; Giuseppe Pastorelli, General Consul of Italy in New York, Luciano Messi, Superintendent of Teatro Regio di Parma; Alessio Vlad, Artistic Director of Teatro Regio di Parma; Yvonne Russo, Filmmaker.

Photos in Gallery above by David DuPuy/AnnieWatt.com