New Offerings and Returning Favourites : We ’ re Back in Full Swing at Villa Charities !
I ’ m excited to welcome you back to Villa Charities and the Columbus Centre for the Fall / Winter 2022-2023 season . For the first time in more than two years , we ’ re returning to “ normal ,” with on-site operations running at full capacity . We ’ re back !
We ' re pleased to offer many new events and programs spanning culture , music , art , and athletics . The new offerings join numerous continuing programs , events and services .
Another sign of our return to normal is this Program Guide itself , and the resumption of its bi-annual publication . Here are a few highlights of the programs and events inside :
• A lineup of new theatrical and music presentations includes “ Storie , strane storie ” ( Stories , Strange Stories ), an experimental theatrical project in partnership with Istituto Italiano di Cultura and Ponte tra Culture Society ; and Verdi ’ s “ Il Trovatore ” opera , presented live by Opera Sustenida .
• The Joseph D . Carrier Art Gallery will present two new exhibitions : Lilian Broca ’ s “ Mary Magdalene Resurrected ” and Mimmo Baronello ’ s “ Sustenance ”.
Regular programming resumes this fall at DanzArts Toronto , the Columbus Centre ’ s highly regarded school of dance , and the Columbus Centre School of Music , with new classes in accordion , drums and music production . Join us for Italian language classes at all levels , or try our Art Programs , which include the new Fundamentals of Photography for children aged 10 to 14 , and a four-class workshop on winter landscape painting . At the Columbus Centre Athletic Club , we ’ re offering our usual array of classes and personal training along with a new kickboxing program that blends martial arts , boxing and wrestling , as well as yoga for beginners and athletes .
Whatever programs you choose , rest assured that our on-site activities always follow mandated public health protocols . Some programs will also be offered online .
• Returning cultural programming includes Villa Charities ’ popular “ Taste of Italy ” dinner series featuring gastronomic journeys through Sicily , Tuscany , Naples , Genoa and Rome ; Learn Italian by Doing , with a new program for families with toddlers to learn Italian through storytelling , music and arts ; our ever-popular Cultural Tuesdays presentations ; and Sagre ( Festivals ), monthly community social events centred around Italian food and traditions .
This year , we ’ re extremely proud to launch the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Tribute project , honouring Italian Canadian immigrants and their families while raising funds for our services , programming and capital needs . The project ‘ s centrepiece installation , on the Columbus Centre ’ s north wall , will feature name plaques honouring individuals of Italian heritage who began a new life in Canada . Beginning this fall , name plaques will be available for purchase as we gear up for construction in 2023 .
• We ’ re ready for Christmas – with an Italian twist , of course . Look for new DopoLavoro Teatrale ( DLT ) productions of “ The Christmas Chair / La Sedia di Natale ”, where audience members share their holiday stories , and “ La Befana Comes to Toronto !”, featuring an old witch from Italian folklore who surprises children with sweets and gifts on the eve of the Epiphany . Mark your calendar for Villa Charities ’ Festive Christmas Market – a shopping and culinary experience featuring local vendors , delicious seasonal food and beverages , and a visit from Santa himself !
As you ’ ll see in the pages following , Villa Charities offers programs and events for almost every age , taste and preference . I encourage you to flip through this guide and take advantage of all we have to offer . I look forward to seeing you at the Columbus Centre .
Sincerely ,
Marco DeVuono President and CEO Villa Charities Inc .
FALL & WINTER 2022 / 23 | 3