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On Tuesday the 19th of February, Soprano Anthonia Chabebe and Tenor Juan Cuevas raised their voices along with pianist Elioenai Medina during a private, by-invitation-only opera concert to raise funds for the Hogar del Niño’s Sport and Cultural Pavilion, an occasion hosted by Casa de Campo villa owners Mario and Nicoletta Galletto.
Over 150 Casa de Campo villa owners attended this magical event, which began with a cocktail hour on the terrace of the Galleto’s beautiful Casa de Campo villa in Las Cerezas.
Awaiting the start of the concert, the guests enjoyed wine, champagne and picaderas and were encourage to give a little more to the cause by buying a painting from the marine-themed art exhibit presented by the children of the Hogar del Niño and put together by Ryan Tilley, a volunteer from the US doing an exchange program with Stonehill College.
The art exhibition was a big success, go Ryan!
A little later the concert began with a speech from Mario Galletto, who said “this project will help a lot of boys and girls smile”, followed by a presentation from Xiomarita Matos, president of the Hogar del Niño, when she shared her vision for the future of the Hogar del Niño Sports and Cultural Pavilion.
Following the successful fundraising event “A Piano Concert by Maria Pia Fazio de Carlo” also hosted by Mario and Nicoletta Galletto in November 2011, construction began on the pavilion by February 2012 and was opened later that same year – a place where the children of the Hogar del Niño now enjoy playing sports. However, Xiomarita’s dream is to also use the pavilion as a cultural center – and for that it needs a roof – which now, thanks to the generosity of all those who attended this event, will soon become a reality.
“We need to be able to use the pavilion as a cultural center. I know we have high expectations – but only because we want the best for our kids. A roof will let us host cultural events; conferences and plays as well as graduations. We will help not only our own children at the Hogar del Niño, but also the entire La Romana community – who will be given the opportunity to use this new facility too.”— Xiomarita Matos, President of the Hogar del Niño
Soprano Anthonia Chabebe opening the ceremony
The opera concert started with Anthonia performing “Viu Che Sapete” from the “Le Nozze Di Figaro” opera by Mozart, followed by Juan Cuevas singing “La Fleur Que Tu M’avais” from “Carmen” by Bizet. The three dominican musicians also performed Puccini and Verdi.
One of the last songs was an unforgettable and off-program version of “Ave María” by Anthonia with all the Hogar del Niño children by her side.
Anthonia Chabebe performing with the children of the Hogar del Niño
The concert came to an end when Antonia Chabebe and Juan Cuevas sung together “Brindisi” from the opera “La Traviata” by Verdi – a song so moving Mario requested an encore!
Following the concert, guests were encouraged to stay for more food and drink and of course to dig deep and donate just a little more – which following such a rousing and beautiful musical ensemble was easy to find the inspiration to do!
Congratulations to Mario and Nicoletta Galleta for a wonderful evening!
The following photos were taken on Tuesday the 19th of February at the opera concert for the Hogar del Niño:
About the Sport and Cultural Project for the Hogar del NiñoSports and culture activities promote basic values, such as: discipline, respect, objetive achievements, solidarity, integrity. The Sport and Cultural Project of the Hogar del Niño is a fantastic initiative – the sports stadium (now constructed and in use!) will double as a cultural events auditorium and provide the students of the Hogar del Niño and the community of La Romana with a safe place to enjoy sports and cultural pursuits (such as theatrical events). For more information or to make a donation, please contact the Hogar del Niño on: Tel: 809.556.3181 or 809.523.8901 E-mail: info@pbo.org.do
Piano Concert by Maria Pia Fazio de Carlo raises money for the Hogar del Niño’s “Sport and Cultural Project”
On Friday the 25th of November 2011, Casa de Campo villa owners, Mario and Monica Galleto hosted a magical Piano concert by Maria Pia Fazio de Carlo to raise money for the Hogar del Niño’s “Sport and Cultural Project.”
