The Italian Radio Hour

By Viviana AltieriSociety & Culture

The Italian Radio Hour episodes

May 02, 2024 Six Food Museums in Parma not to miss
Six Food Museums not to miss:
Museum of PARMIGIANO REGGIANO
Museum of PASTA
Museum of TOMATO
Museum of WINE
Museum of FELINO SALAMI
Museum of PROSCIUTTO DI PARMA
Thru the expert knowledge of Giancarlo Gonizzi, we are taken on a virtual journey of Food Musuems of Parma, their history and their treasure!
Parma proudly boasts some of the highest quality food products renowned at both national and international level: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto of Parma and various cured pork meat products such as the Culatello from Zibello, Salame from Felino, Coppa, as well as Wines from the Parma hills, Porcini mushrooms from the Taro river valley, Tomatoes. Other products are well known at a purely local level.
Food and Wine tourism is in rapid expansion both in terms of quantity and quality at a national and international level. It is not by chance that the cultural and tourist press dedicates growing attention to this sector, particularly where the offer is clearly defined. Both regionally and internationally there is increasing publicity for “Food and Wine Trails”, “Flavour Trails”, and “Wine Trails”, …
The typical products enhance the image of an entire territory.
Parma hosts the corporate headquarters of a number of prestigious food companies such as Barilla, Parmalat and canning industries. It is home to various Italian Consortiums for the Safeguard of Typical products, like the Consortium for Prosciutto, the Consortium for Parmigiano Reggiano and the Consortium for Culatello. The economical situation of Parma is positively affected by the growth of the food sector.
In addition to bringing additional value to the history behind individual products within the local economy and culture, the “Food Museums” encourage the growth of a new type of tourism, by developing existing sites located along the food and wine trails; in turn, these become complementary to other typical tourist routes in the area.
The Museums contribute to highlight the role of yjr production sites of the typical foods of Parma, and especially those that in virtue of their history, the type of processing and the quality of products are best suited to be included as part of the tourist offer of the territory. Through programmed events and tours of the food and wine trails, these offers interact directly with the Museums.
A mission of the Museums is to contribute to the growth of the entire territory through gastronomical culture, by encouraging awareness among local residents, and in particular young people. At the same time, the Museums aim is to define the image of each single typical product and its area of production through gastronomic tourism.
https://youtu.be/sf39PkOrSt0
1 hr 4 min
April 18, 2024 Viaggio Italia & Borghi in Carrozza with Luca Paiardi and Danilo Ragona
This week on The Italian Radio Hour - Never before, have I met two volcanic, more full of life and always cheerful individuals as "forces of nature" like Luca Paiardi, – architect, musician and Danilo Ragona – planner, designer and founder and president of the company Able to Enjoy.
Praticamente, due forze della natura!
Explorers of four continents, organizers of 41 sports activities (and some pretty extreme), over 13,000km driven have one common thread: create and nourish a "can do attitude", push your boundaries, to advocate for the interests, and the rights for people with disabilities.
Both victims of unrelated accidents in their early 20s, for a serendipitous twist of fate, one was living the rehab facility when the other was being admitted when eventually, joined efforts to create "VIAGGIO ITALIA" , where both their athletic abilities, design skills, want to do do more and see more, provides a unique and corroborate avenue for people with disabilities to see and explore the world.
Last not least, also the project "Borghi in Carrozza" (Villages by Carriage), a route in stages to discover some of the most typical and evocative locations in Piedmont. A new adventure, set off from Turin on March 26, aboard a historic 1973 Lancia Fulvia Montecarlo from the Classica & Accessibile project promoted by ASI Solidale, specifically outfitted with steering wheel controls.
Follow Danilo and Luca on all their social media platforms to follow not only their adventures (super amazing) but also their design projects, and campaigns.
If I thought I was pretty "volcanic" myself, by talking to Danilo and Luca, I realized that they are on a different level. Have you ever thought about simple challenges that get in the way of traveling for people in a wheelchair where there are no bathrooms on board that would accommodate their needs in a dignified way? Everyone's well-being is an amelioration of society for all.
Viaggio Italia: https://www.viaggioitalia.org/index.php?l=it
IG: https://www.instagram.com/viaggio.italia/?hl=it
1 hr 17 min
April 11, 2024 Il NewYorkese - Dedicato ai folli with Davide Ippolito
This week on The Italian Radio Hour - Il Newyorkese, the new magazine written by Italians in Italian for anyone that loves, lives, and dreams in New York gives you great insights (financial, real estate, happenings) of what happens in the Big Apple.We chatted with its founder David Ippolito, who recently moved to NYC from Italy but for many years, already author of the study "AGAINST STEREOTYPES, The Real Reputation of Italian Americans".Enjoy also daily updates on ilnewyorkese.com
(WATCH INTERVIEW: ⁠https://youtu.be/YmCTNvKqrfA⁠)⁠
39 min
April 04, 2024 GARUM - Rome's Library and Museum of Cookery
This week on The Italian Radio Hour - Did you know that there is a library and a museum in Rome that houses some of the oldest, varied, and most unique tools and textbooks about cookery?
It is the Garum Library and Museum, located just across Circo Massimo and this weekend only (April 5-7th), you will also have the chance to see a very interesting collection of 400 original menus covering different historical periods and international customs.
Conceived and curated by Garum and the international collectors' association Menu Associati, the exhibition is free to enter. These original menus presented and belonging to the main private and public collections.
Divided in "11 Chapter", the visitor moves from the celebrations for the Albertine Statute, to the granting of honorary citizenship of London to Garibaldi, to the breach of Porta Pia and the two world wars up to the diplomatic relations after the Second World War as in the case of the breakfast menu offered by President Cossiga to Mikhail Gorbachev and to Mrs Rajssa Gorbachev in the aftermath of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
And menus that tell the last hours of the Titanic, the great exploits of Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh, Umberto Nobile and Francesco De Pinedo. From Hitler and Mussolini's first lunch through the coronations of Elizabeth II and Nicholas II, the last Tsar. There is also the 4-page creased booklet menu of the lunch offered by the Lord Mayor of the City at the Guildhall in honor of the royals of Charles and Diana on 5 November 1981, the same day as the announcement, two hours before the lunch, of the first pregnancy of the Princess of Wales.
Collaborating in the creation of the exhibition are, among others, Maurizio Campiverdi, owner of the largest known menu collection, Academia Barilla, Istituto Luigi Sturzo, Panini Museum of Modena, Casa Artusi, Zeppelin Museum of Friedrichschafen and Historical Archive of the Presidency of the Republic. Preface of the catalog signed by prof. Alberto Capatti, curated by Maurizio Campiverdi, Franco Chiarini, Giulio Fano, Matteo Ghirighini and Roberto Liberi.
The Garum website also offers a wealth of information so if you are not able to visit this exhibit this weekend, make sure to visit this museum on your next trip to Rome.
https://www.museodellacucina.com/en/libray-and-museum/
47 min
March 28, 2024 The tradition of the St. Joseph Table
This week on The Italian Radio Hour: The tradition of the St. Joseph Table with Marianna Gatto, Carmela Cesare Giaramita, and Joe Di Carlo Giaramita.From the East Coast to the West Coast and many places in between, the St. Joseph Table tradition has conquered the hearts of many believers and also first-time participants.Join my conversation with Marianna Gatto, Executive Director of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA), Carmela Giaramita and Joe Di Carlo, owners of La Tavola Italiana in Pittsburgh as we discussed the birth of this tradition, the bread altar, and additional foods that would accompany this tradition.Video Interview: https://youtu.be/7s8xNal87Jk?si=GcRZUN81xY-VyeXgSubscribe for FREE to the Italian Radio Hour (on YouTube or where you catch your favorite podcasts), and never miss new episodes
52 min
March 21, 2024 SAGRE D'ITALIA - Travel into popular traditions with Donatella Alquati and Giorgio Mininno
This week on The Italian Radio Hour: SAGRE D'ITALIA - Travel into popular traditions with Donatella Alquati and Giorgio Mininno (Slowbook)
Planning your next trip to Italy? Want to discover treasures "off the beaten path"? Then, you cannot miss our conversation with Donatella and Giorgio, authors of the latest and only guide to all the Sagre d'Italia.
What is a sagra
The sagra is an Italian festival, organized in some towns, or regions, and is always linked to a local tradition or food celebrated in the course of the event.
The term sagra derives from Latin. It is the evolution of the adjective sacrum, meaning holy, which explains the original purpose that gave birth to this type of event: the religious factor. In fact, in the past the sagre were mainly moments of union between Man and spiritual and holy life.
This is the place where you can certainly mingle with the locals, sitting at the same table and witness three generations seamlessly interacting with one another (sounds like a miracle nowadays), while sampling amazing food and learn more about these ancient traditions.
SAGRE D'ITALIA is finally a single collection of all sagre throughout Italy divided by territory. With their acute eye of designers and photographers, Donatella and Giorgio then give special attention to eighteen sagre (one also vegan) for their uniqueness, and recipes are even included!
Get your ticket, your book, and go!
Partiamo!
WATCH VIDEO INTERVIEW: https://youtu.be/yuVNM2i1e0k
#sagreditalia #foodfestival Slow Food USA #slowfood #slowtravel #italy #offthebeatenpath
1 hr 14 min
March 14, 2024 Behind the scenes of "La Traviata" with Stage Director Kristine McIntyre
This week on The Italian Radio Hour - The Making of La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi.
At the eve of opening night of La Traviata at the Pittsburgh Opera, I was able to catch up with Stage Director Kristine McIntyre for an insightful conversation of what all goes into the staging of an opera. her vision for this production and the true story of the character that inspired not only Giuseppe Verdi, but first Alexandre Dumas fils, Marie Duplessis.
Marie Duplessis (born Alphonsine Rose Plessis was a French courtesan and mistress to a number of prominent and wealthy men. She was the inspiration for Marguerite Gautier, the main character of the 1848 novel La Dame aux Camélias by Alexandre Dumas the younger. Much of what is known about her has been derived from the literary persona and contemporary legends.
As recorded in art of the day Marie Duplessis was evidently an extremely attractive young woman, with a petite figure and an enchanting smile. By the time she was 16, she had become aware that prominent men were willing to give her money in exchange for her company in both private and social settings. She became a courtesan and learned to read and write, and to stay abreast of world events so as to be able to converse on these topics with her clients and at social functions. She also added the faux noble "Du" to her name.
Marie Duplessis died of tuberculosis at the age of 23 on 3 February 1847, and differently from the opera where Alfonso manages to be by Violetta's side, Alexander Dumas never made it on time to say goodbye to her loved Marie.
The opera opens with the auction of all the items at the home of Violetta Valéry (Pay close attention to recognize a familiar face), followed by the very famous "Brindisi (“Libiamo ne'lieti calici”) one of Verdi's the most popular tune from the opera.
The performances: Saturday March 16, 19, 22 & 24th at Benedum Center.
Tickets available at: https://www.pittsburghopera.org/season/la-traviata
USE COUPON CODE: POIMI to get 50% OFF your tickets
Antony Walker - Conductor
Kristine McIntyre - Stage Director
Cast:
Vuvu Mpofu - Violetta Valéry
Duke Kim - Alfredo Germont
Michael Chioldi - Giorgio Germont
Julia Swan Laird - Annina
Fran Daniel Laucerica - Gastone de Letorières
Brandon Bell - Baron Douphol
Evan Lazdowski - Marquis d'Obigny
Leah Heater - Flora Bervoix
36 min
March 07, 2024 ITALY by INGREDIENT with Viola Buitoni
This week on The Italian Radio Hour - Being the 6th generation of Buitoni, Viola grew up in a food loving family who believed that growing your own food was a better way of eating. She was weaned on extra virgin olive oil and parmigiano. She first spooned ricotta in her mouth straight out of the warm whey in which the local shepherd had just cooked it. She played hide-and-seek in the room where pancetta and prosciutto were hung to cure. Seasonal foraging expeditions were the norm, from digging mushrooms to shaking chestnuts, from collecting snails to blackberries.In her debut book, "Italy by Ingredient Artisanal Foods/Modern Recipes", Viola shares the history and geography of Italy’s most iconic ingredients, and gives tips on how we can incorporate their vibrant flavors and techniques into our kitchens. (Think balsamic vinegar, flakes of parmigiano reggiano, fresh ricotta and creamy grains of risotto.) Viola is currently based in San Francisco-based where she is a cooking instructor and food writer. In 2020, the President of the Italian Republic honored her with the title Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia for her work furthering the culture and business of Italian food.Viola also leads foraging tours in Italy. For more information, visit her website at:https://www.violasitaly.com/culinary-tours
1 hr 45 min
February 29, 2024 The Many Miracles of Household Saints with Martina Savoca Guay
This week on The Italian Radio Hour - The Many Miracles of Household Saints with Martina Savoca Guay.
1993 - Household Saints by Nancy Savoca comes out. But there is one person, who has been on the set the entire time who will never get to see the movie until much later in her life because of a series of events, including all the good elements of the movie been destroyed: Martina Savoca Guay, Nancy's daughter.
Nancy Savoca was pregnant of Martina during the entire shooting of the movie and now Martina, takes the camera in her hands and gifts us with a wonderful documentary "The Many Miracles of Household Saints",
The Many Miracles of Household Saints reveals the improbable story behind the making of the film. Combining behind the scenes footage from the set — including electronic press kits and home movies — as well as contemporary interviews with Savoca, author Francine Prose and producer Rich Guay (her dad), Martina has created a gorgeous celebration and homage to a remarkable American independent film and to her own filmmaking heritage.
Soon in a new 4k restoration, Household Saints will be available again to the public. Make sure to watch Martina's documentary before for insights on the making of the movie, or after for more reflections on the great talent of the Savocas.
ABOUT "Household Saints"
Based on Francine Prose’s fifth novel, Nancy Savoca’s chronicle of a spirited Italian-American New York family perfectly balances humor, tragedy, and pathos. Vincent D’Onofrio’s Joseph Santangelo is a butcher with a wicked sense of humor who “wins” his wife Catherine (a stellar Tracey Ullman) in a pinochle game.
Over the protests of his mother (Judith Malina) who talks to ghosts and makes deals with saints, Joseph marries Catherine. When the old lady dies, her spirit is channeled into her granddaughter Teresa who overtakes the film with her yearning to serve God.
Perfectly embodying a modern-day Bernadette, Lili Taylor imbues Teresa with a mix of dedicated innocence and naïveté. Executive produced by Jonathan Demme, with notable performances from Michael Imperioli, Michael Rispoli and Victor Argo, Household Saints represents a unique voice in 1990s independent filmmaking.
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https://youtu.be/himjiKIIueg?si=3lTzJRCLBqFwQSL0
1 hr 3 min
February 22, 2024 Autobiographical Writing for people of Italian origin with Prof. Rita Cavigioli
This week on The Italian Radio Hour: "Crossings": Autobiographical Writing for people of Italian origin with Prof. Rita Cavigioli.
Are you an American with Italian origins who has spent significant time in Italy, not only for tourism, but might have family, friends in Italy or have worked or studied in Italy?
Have you always wanted to capture in writing your life, their lives, the what ifs, the nostalgia, the opportunities, the memories, the connections, the stories but not necessarily know where to start?
In this week's episode, we speak with Rita Cavigioli, Professor Emerita of Italian Studies (University of Missouri-Columbia) about the upcoming workshop on Autobiographical Writing for people of Italian origin that will be held in partnership with Istituto Mondo Italiano from April 4th until May 16th.
During this 7-session course participants will capture, reflect, compare, and support one another in this beautiful and intimate writing experience.
The workshop will span over seven three-hour sessions. Attendees can participate either online on in person (if in the Pittsburgh area, at Istituto Mondo Italiano).
Prof. Cavigioli will connect from her hometown of Turin.
Registration is currently open. Only 9 seats available!
Visit www.istitutomondoitaliano.org for more information.
VIDEO INTERVIEW https://youtu.be/N6pLWPu27Oc
Rita Cavigioli
38 min