The famous Carabinieri Band – one of the greatest military orchestras in the world, founded in 1820 – will play at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on April 18, 2016 in a free concert honoring defenders of the cultural heritage of humanity. In what promises to be a not-to-be-missed-event, 90 musicians in their distinctive uniforms will bring to life traditional marches as well as modern and classical music in the majestic Concert Hall. The rich repertoire will include the national anthems of Italy, the United States and the European Union, as well as music by Sousa, Dvorak, and Puccini.
“We warmly invite all lovers of culture to join us in this international musical tribute to the defenders of human heritage, in one of the most beautiful venues in America” said the Ambassador of Italy to the United States, Armando Varricchio. “We are very grateful to the Kennedy Center for giving our talented Carabinieri Band the opportunity to perform in the splendid Concert Hall, in an event which is free and open to the public. Today, after the recent horrific attacks to our culture and some of our fundamental values – just think of Paris, Tunis and Brussels, to mention but some – it reminds us of the importance of defending culture, and our very way of life, in its entirety”.
The concert is organized by the Embassy of Italy in Washington D.C. in partnership with the Italian Institute of Culture in Washington D.C., with the generous support of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Banca Intesa Sanpaolo. It is part of the “Protecting our Heritage” initiative, a program supported by UNESCO and organized by the Washington Network of the European Union National Institutes of Culture (EUNIC), under the 2016 Italian presidency, in order to raise awareness on the need to act against the growing threats posed to cultural heritage by wars, international terrorism, criminal organizations, climate challenges – or more simply, by neglect.
The concert will also recognize the exceptional work of the Italian Carabinieri both in fostering peace and protecting cultural heritage worldwide: they will be part of UNESCO’s “blue helmets for culture” program, thanks to a Memorandum of Understanding signed on February 16, 2016 in Rome by the Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni and by Irina Bokova, the Director-General of UNESCO.
About the Carabinieri Band
The Carabinieri Band was founded in 1820 when the then Royal Carabinieri Corps assembled a group of buglers for the first time. In 1862 this became a fanfare, and by 1920 had developed into a full Band contingent of the Carabinieri Force. Under the direction of Maestro Luigi Cajoli the Band became famous for its quality of style, and in 1916 it travelled abroad for the first time for a series of concerts for injured allied soldiers. It performed with great success in Paris, and was highly acclaimed by the press. Many other prestigious tours abroad followed, from Europe to North and South America, the Middle East and Japan. Maestro Luigi Cirenei, who was a pupil of Pietro Mascagni, succeeded Cajoli in 1925. He improved the artistic skills of the Band and composed “LA FEDELISSIMA” the march theme adopted by the Carabinieri Force. Other band directors included: Maestro Domenico Fantini (1947), Maestro Vincenzo Borgia (1972) and Maestro Massimo Martinelli (2001), who is the present Director. The Carabinieri Band, with 103 musicians, each one an expert in a particular instrument, interprets the most famous compositions with a rich repertoire ranging from traditional military marches to modern and classical music.
The event will be held on Monday, April 18, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public. RSVP here http://iicwashington.info/events/20160418/rsvps/
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A great summer tradition will return to the National Harbor Waterfront on the Potomac with the much anticipated 9th Annual National Harbor Wine & Food Festival on Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24 from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm each day.
The event is in a beautiful outdoor setting on the banks of the Potomac River and surrounded by the National Harbor hotels, restaurants and shops, and continues to be a destination event. More than just a tasting, the festival brings together award winning celebrity chefs, artisanal craftsmen, culinary pioneers, live music, as well as wine and spirits from around the world.
This year’s festival will include over 150 International wines, spirits and beers featured along with local and regional favorites in and all-you-care-to-taste affair. Guests will be able to sample all of the varieties as well as purchase them by the glass and the bottle, on-site at special event only low prices. Beyond the drink tastings there are many other highlights which include: Special craft beer tasting Bier Garten experience, Whiskey and Bourbon Tasting Lounge, Cooking Kitchen featuring hands-on cooking demonstrations and wine pairings, three stages of live music and so much more. It is the largest award winning wine festival of its kind in the Metro DC market.
This year’s organizers have turned up the heat on the Cooking Stage and brought in some award winning super star chef talent. Special appearances on the Cooking Stage include, Saturday: Chef Scott Drewno of The Source by Wolfgang Puck, Chef Jennifer Carroll of Requin, and Chef Victor Albisu of Del Campo. Sunday will featureKwame Onwuachi of Shaw Bijou, Matt Baker of Gravitas and Chef Danny Lee of Mandu. All of these local, regional and nationally recognized chefs will offer meet and greets and cooking demonstrations.
Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center once again will kick-off this year’s Wine & Food Festival with a five-course wine dinner on Friday, April 22 at 7 p.m.Partnering with Chimney Rock winemaker, Elizabeth Vianna, guests can enjoy notable vintages paired with exquisite dishes prepared by the executive chef at the resorts signature restaurant, Old Hickory Steakhouse. Cost is $125 per person and pre-purchase is required.
To make a reservation for the wine dinner experience, call 301-965-4000 or visit www.GaylordNationalTickets.com.
Guests also can choose to spend the night at the nearly 2,000 room resort with its exclusive VIP Wine and Food Festival package. The package includes one night room accommodations for April 22 or 23, a $50 resort credit and two VIP one-day admission tickets to the Wine and Food Festival. Package starts at $299. To book a reservation, call 301-965-4000 or visit www.GaylordNational.com.
Tickets are on sale now and range from a VIP Saturday $79 or Sunday $69 to a General Admission One Day Pass for $39 in advance/$49 onsite. $29 designated driver ticket in advance.
To purchase tickets and view schedule, visit www.wineandfoodnh.com or call (800) 830-3976.
A great summer tradition will return to the National Harbor Waterfront on the Potomac with the much anticipated 9th Annual National Harbor Wine & Food Festival on Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24 from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm each day.
The event is in a beautiful outdoor setting on the banks of the Potomac River and surrounded by the National Harbor hotels, restaurants and shops, and continues to be a destination event. More than just a tasting, the festival brings together award winning celebrity chefs, artisanal craftsmen, culinary pioneers, live music, as well as wine and spirits from around the world.
This year’s festival will include over 150 International wines, spirits and beers featured along with local and regional favorites in and all-you-care-to-taste affair. Guests will be able to sample all of the varieties as well as purchase them by the glass and the bottle, on-site at special event only low prices. Beyond the drink tastings there are many other highlights which include: Special craft beer tasting Bier Garten experience, Whiskey and Bourbon Tasting Lounge, Cooking Kitchen featuring hands-on cooking demonstrations and wine pairings, three stages of live music and so much more. It is the largest award winning wine festival of its kind in the Metro DC market.
This year’s organizers have turned up the heat on the Cooking Stage and brought in some award winning super star chef talent. Special appearances on the Cooking Stage include, Saturday: Chef Scott Drewno of The Source by Wolfgang Puck, Chef Jennifer Carroll of Requin, and Chef Victor Albisu of Del Campo. Sunday will featureKwame Onwuachi of Shaw Bijou, Matt Baker of Gravitas and Chef Danny Lee of Mandu. All of these local, regional and nationally recognized chefs will offer meet and greets and cooking demonstrations.
Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center once again will kick-off this year’s Wine & Food Festival with a five-course wine dinner on Friday, April 22 at 7 p.m.Partnering with Chimney Rock winemaker, Elizabeth Vianna, guests can enjoy notable vintages paired with exquisite dishes prepared by the executive chef at the resorts signature restaurant, Old Hickory Steakhouse. Cost is $125 per person and pre-purchase is required.
To make a reservation for the wine dinner experience, call 301-965-4000 or visit www.GaylordNationalTickets.com.
Guests also can choose to spend the night at the nearly 2,000 room resort with its exclusive VIP Wine and Food Festival package. The package includes one night room accommodations for April 22 or 23, a $50 resort credit and two VIP one-day admission tickets to the Wine and Food Festival. Package starts at $299. To book a reservation, call 301-965-4000 or visit www.GaylordNational.com.
Tickets are on sale now and range from a VIP Saturday $79 or Sunday $69 to a General Admission One Day Pass for $39 in advance/$49 onsite. $29 designated driver ticket in advance.
To purchase tickets and view schedule, visit www.wineandfoodnh.com or call (800) 830-3976.
On May 1, Mike Isabella will host a Greek Easter celebration at Kapnos Taverna in Arlington.
The festival will be held on the Ballston restaurant’s large patio, and feature spit-roasted meats, homemade spreads and flatbread, live Greek music, Greek wines and more. Tickets are $69.57, all inclusive, rain or shine.
- Sunday, May 1, 12–3pm
- $69.57 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity
- Tickets available through Eventbrite
- Kapnos Taverna Patio: 4000 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA 22203
British Embassy Open House Day
WHEN: 10am to 4pm, Saturday 14 May 2016
WHERE: 3100 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
MEDIA ACCESS: Open to the media and Residence Social Secretary Amanda Downes is available for interviews
On May 14th the British Embassy will open its doors to the public as part of the annual European Union Embassies’ Open House.
The Residence has been at the very heart of the Anglo-American relationship since 1930, playing host to a never-ending stream of visitors, including most presidents since Hoover. Many members of the royal family have visited since King George VI made his famous visit in 1939, in the months leading up to the Second World War, becoming the first British head of state ever to come to the United States.
The free Open House Day offers visitors a rare look inside the Ambassador’s Residence and Gardens as we are celebrating the 90th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 70th anniversary of the UK-US special relationship and the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. The Embassy grounds will host an interactive and family-friendly bazaar celebrating UK culture, creativity, business and innovation. You can take a selfie with Shakespeare, sample some British food, check out the latest luxury British cars and find out about the NFL games in London later this year.
The day will also include
- Access to the Ambassador’s Residence and symmetrical Gardens, including the rose garden and lawns, home to several trees planted by members of the Royal Family
- Demonstrations from the UK’s defence industry showcasing the latest equipment and technology
- Performances from Shakespearian players
- A chance to win a James Bond gift-basket and tickets to the Spy Museum.
This is our ninth year of joining other EU embassies and a chance for each country to celebrate what makes it unique, but also our common bonds, and the bonds we share with the United States.
