CCR Talks: Italian Street Names - January 23, 2020

What street in Rome do you live on?

Chances are your street may be named after some long-forgotten worthy. For cultural reasons, urban nomenclature reflects Italian history in all sorts of interesting ways. Sadly, modern-day inhabitants are often unaware of the interesting ways in which pirates, crooks, as well as the more predictable popes and politicians intersect in one’s everyday commute. Please join us for an entertaining winter evening’s potluck lecture as we ponder wonderfully esoteric street names and learn about their namesakes.

When: Thursday, January 23, 2020

Time: 7 p.m. 

Where: In the Trieste neighbourhood of Rome; exact location will be sent to confirmed participants by email.

Cost: €10 for members and €15 for non-members. Optional potluck contribution: not obligatory but those wishing may contribute a dish (savory or sweet) or a bottle of wine/prosecco to share with other participants at the lecture. Please advise Joe when reserving if you would like to do so.  

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Joe by Mon., Jan. 20, 2020. You are financially responsible for your reservation.

CCR Talks: Santorini & Pompei - December 12, 2019

Join us for an explosive evening as we learn about the two most famous eruptions in the Mediterranean, currently brought together in a single exhibition at the Scuderie del Quirinale in Rome (closing January 6, 2020).

One might argue that the exhibits from the cities of Akrotiri (present-day Santorini) and Pompei bring modern viewers as much pleasure as the anguish felt by the ancient inhabitants who suffered through both cataclysmic events. We will delve into what the remains of these cities and their inhabitants tell us about their lives, as well as reflect on how these eruptions have affected those who have followed.

Please note that the lecture is equally suitable for those who have already seen the exhibition as well as those still planning to go.  Why not join us for an interesting evening with some light libations?

When: Thursday, December 12th
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: In the Trieste Neighborhood of Rome; exact location will be sent to confirmed participants by email.
Cost: €10 for members and €15 for non-members. Optional potluck contribution: not obligatory but those wishing may contribute a dish (savory or sweet) or a bottle of wine/prosecco to share with other participants at the lecture.  Please advise Joe when reserving if you would like to do so.
RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Joe by Monday, December 9, 2019. You are financially responsible for your reservation.

CCR Day Trip: Villino Volterra and Garden Tour - April 21, 2018

A day trip exploring a famous town, and some hidden treasures within it, in the hilly "Castelli Romani" area just south of Rome. This day out of town will be perfect for families with children as well.

Here's our plan for the day. At 10:15 Virginia Volterra will take us on a personal tour of the restored Villino Volterra and gardens built between 1904-07 by her grandfather, the famous mathematician, Vito Volterra. After the house and garden tour, at approximately 12:30 lunch will be offered (appetizers, two primi, pizza rustica, porchetta, wine, water). There will be an optional lecture at 2 p.m. in the greenhouse for those who wish to stay on after lunch and hear about Ariccia’s past. Children may play in the yard beside the greenhouse at this time. A further optional tour of the town of Ariccia will follow after the lecture, at  3 p.m., with a guide and admission to Palazzo Chigi and its park.

When: Saturday, April 21, 2018
Transportation, Meeting Point & Timing: by car (please carpool, free parking outside Villino Volterra), arriving by 10 a.m.; by train from the Roma Termini station with Luigi Girolametto departing Termini at 9 a.m. on the Regionale 7349 train, arriving in Albano Laziale at 9:51. The train ride costs €2.10 and those taking the train should meet past the Termini check point, beside the first car of the train 10 minutes prior to departure
Cost: tour of Villino Volterra and lunch only -- €25 for CCR members, €30 for non-member guests, children under 5 free, children 5-12 €12.50; tour of Villino Volterra, lunch and lecture on Ariccia (as seen through the eyes of famous authors) -- €30 CCR members, €35 non-members; all of the above plus a walking tour of Ariccia, the piazza by Bernini, and the Palazzo Chigi and its park -- €35 for CCR members, €40 for non-members. Advance payment is required.
NB: Book early as space is limited and remember that you are financially responsible for your booking.
RSVP to Luigi at lgirolametto@gmail.com, specifying whether you would like to participate in the second and third components of the day.

CCR Talks: Neapolitan Cinderella - January 12, 2018

Few realize Walt Disney's immensely popular version of Cinderella is deeply rooted in Italian folklore.  Along the way it passed through the hands of many storytellers including Giambattista Basile (Italy), Charles Perrault (France) and the Brothers Grimm (Germany).  As winter sets in, let's gather around the hearth, on the birthday of Charles Perrault, the person who most shaped the story into the version we are most familiar with, and delve into the rich cultural background of this tale.

When: Friday, January 12, 2018
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: In the Quartiere Trieste area of Rome; exact location will be sent to confirmed participants by email.
Cost: €10 for members and €15 for non-members; plus potluck contribution.
RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Joe by Monday, January 8, 2018. When reserving, please advise what dish you would like to bring for the potluck dinner. You are financially responsible for your reservation.
NOTE: This lecture is not suitable for individuals below the age of 16.

CCR Talks: Artemisia, A Woman Painter in a Man’s World - January 13, 2017

Arguably the best-known female painter of her time recognized today, Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1656) is equally renowned for a notorious trial concerning her rape, at age 18, by Agostino Tassi, a well-established colleague of her father, the painter Orazio Gentileschi. This incident inspired a number of novels and films. Despite this scandal early in her life, her painting career took off. During her lifetime, she traveled to Florence, Genoa, the English court and Naples and exerted a remarkable influence on a whole generation of painters. A recently opened exhibition at Palazzo Braschi, focusing on her work and influence, will be on until 8 May 2017. It charts Artemisia's career as a follower of Caravaggio, and compares her work to that of other followers of the ill-fated genius.

We take this opportunity to offer a lecture on Artemisia for those who would like a bit more information on the artist and her struggle for recognition before viewing the exhibition. This lecture will be accompanied by a potluck dinner to which all attendees will be asked to make a contribution.

When: Friday, January 13, 2017
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Quartiere Trieste area – exact location will be sent to confirmed participants.
Cost: CCR members €10, non-members €15 – plus potluck contribution.
RSVP: by Wednesday, Jan. 11, ATTN Joe/Peter at canadarome@gmail.com

CCR Art Talk with Olivia: Cleopatra, from shrewd politician to great seducer - October 25, 2013

This evening lecture on Cleopatra will prepare you for an exciting exhibition opening at Chiostro del Bramante on October 12 entitled “Cleopatra, Rome and the Enchantment of Egypt.” During this lecture and slide-show we will take the opportunity to review the historical facts and the many myths about the most famous of Egyptian queens, including how and why her story fascinated generations of musicians, writers, poets, artists and historians.  

“Potluck” light refreshments will be served halfway through the 90-minute slide-show and we ask everyone to bring something to share. Please confirm your contribution with Linda or Olivia when you reserve.

Portrait of Cleopatra, circa 50-30 AD, 
Berlin Staatliche Museum

When: Friday, October 25, 2012

Time: 7 p.m.

Where: San Giovanni area. Address information will be sent to participants upon confirmation. 

Cost: CCR members €10, non-members €15 - plus potluck contribution.

RSVP: by Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2012

Attn: Linda at canadarome@gmail.com or Olivia at oliviaercoli1@gmail.com.