What Makes It Italian?

“What Makes It Italian?” is a music listening and discussion group that meets online on the Zoom platform and is open to everyone. Participation is free.
The group is led by Gina Crusco, who has also guided listening at Bard LLI and Riverdale Y; acted as maestro del coro for opera in Italy; instructed music at The New School; and directed Underworld Productions. Please email ginacrusco@gmail.com to confirm your attendance and receive an invitation link.

Fall 2025 Schedule

Famous Composers and the Italians Who Taught Them

Great Italian composition teachers taught great composers. This semester we look into these mentorships, some natural, others surprising. Salieri taught Beethoven? Busoni taught Kurt Weill? Yes and yes, and composers throughout music history – Mozart, Haydn, Charpentier and Barber – were put through their paces by Italian teachers. In this series, as we examine these relationships, we also uncover Italianate style insinuating itself into the most unlikely places.

Please note: Casa Italiana serves as the venue and supporter of various clubs’ activities. The coordinators of these clubs are responsible for programming decisions, in alignment with the guidance of Casa leadership. For all information, please contact the coordinator of the lecture series, Gina Crusco, at ginacrusco@gmail.com.