Carolyn interviews author, lecturer and food historian Francine Segan about her book, The Opera Lovers Cookbook. Created in collaboration with New York City's Metropolitan Opera, the book includes rare photographs of Metropolitan productions, little known facts about composers and performers, hints for operatic entertaining and luscious recipes.

Alessandra describes how her critically acclaimed show, Techno Tarantella, transforms the ancient Italian healing ritual into a contemporary spectacular complete with fire and aerial dancing. 

A free transcript of this podcast is available. Just cut and paste the following link into your browser.

http://www.essenceofitaly.net/journal/2009/06/alessandra_belloni_part_2_tech.php

Carolyn speaks with Alessandra Belloni about the origins of the tarantella dance - a frenzied, wild, spinning expression of repressed emotion.  Used in ancient Italian ritual to expel the poison of the mythical bite of the tarantula, Alessandra teaches us how this ritual can heal us today.

A free transcript of this podcast is available. just cut and paste the following link into your browser.

http://www.essenceofitaly.net/journal/2009/06/alessandra_belloni_part_1_rhyt.php

TV and radio personality, food historian, author and lecturer Francine Segan weaves the delicious and little-known history of Italy's contributions to our love of chocolate. This podcast is best enjoyed on an empty stomach! Catch Francine live at the Westchester Italian Cultural Center in Tuckahoe, NY on April 21st.

A free transcript of this podcast is available. Just cut and paste the following link into your browser.

http://www.essenceofitaly.net/journal/2009/04/italy_and_chocolate_an_affair.php

Carolyn Masone interviews Frank Ingrasciotta, the star and creative force behind the critically acclaimed off-Broadway show. Frank candidly discusses how his upbringing as a first-generation Sicilian made him reject, and ultimately embrace, his Italian heritage.

Carolyn talks with Evelyn Rossetti at the Westchester Italian Cultural Center to learn some of the ins and outs of putting on an international art exhibit. Here, they focus on Ceramica Magnifica from Este, Italy and the works of Roberto Merelli from Venice.

Carolyn interviews Evelyn Rossetti and explores the history and many cultural programs available at the Center. Learn about the wine cellar, the theater, and their newest venture, a live broadcast on WFAS Radio 1230 AM, airing on the second Sunday of each month, beginning Dec. 14, 2008, from 10:00 a.m. -12:00 noon. If you're out of the Westchester area, listen live on the internet at www.wfasam.com.

Hear how one man made his dream come true! www.essenceofitaly.net presents our exclusive interview with Gabriele Corti of Le Buche Vacation Apartments in Chianti. This video slideshow version of the podcast is beautifully enhanced with still photography selections from the collection "Italy Through The Eyes Of Love". Interview conducted by Carolyn Masone. English translation spoken by Jefferson Harman. NEW Revised Video Slideshow Edition Released October 23, 2008

Ecco come un personaggio doc è riuscito a realizzare il suo sogno! Nostra intervista esclusiva a Gabriele Corti, titolare de Le Buche, Residenze di Vacanza nel Chianti. Intervista in italiano condotta da Carolyn Masone. Nuova edizione modificata il 23 ottobre 2008

Hear how one man made his dream come true! www.essenceofitaly.net presents our exclusive interview with Gabriele Corti of Le Buche Vacation Apartments in Chianti. Interview conducted by Carolyn Masone. English translation spoken by Jefferson Harman. Revised Edition 10.23.08

In Part 2 of John's story, he returns to America with his repertoire of Southern Italian folk music.  But as usual, things don't go as expected. John learns to adjust and ultimately to thrive as he allows his love of this music to guide him. John T. LaBarbera entertains us with tales of his musical adventures throughout Italy in the 1970's. From the sublime to the ridiculous, his winding journey brings him to the people and events that will shape the rest of his life. Enjoy the ride along with us as he ultimately becomes a pivotal player in the revival of Southern Italian folk music.

Let Essence of Italy take you on a journey to peace and calm. Enjoy selected images from "Italy, Through the Eyes of Love" and the music of John T. LaBarbera, "Madrugada (Dawn)".

John T. LaBarbera entertains us with tales of his musical adventures throughout Italy in the 1970's. From the sublime to the ridiculous, his winding journey brings him to the people and events that will shape the rest of his life. Enjoy the ride along with us as he ultimately becomes a pivotal player in the revival of Southern Italian folk music.

Listen to Carolyn on WGHT radio discuss the philosophy behind her photography, the origins of EssenceofItaly.net and the Benefit Exhibit at the Westchester Italian Cultural Center in Tuckahoe, New York.

Let one of Lecce's finest cooking schools, www.awaitingtable.com, show you how to appreciate, cultivate and celebrate one of Italy's greatest gifts to the world: premium olive oil. Every year Silvestro Silvestori shares his love of people, cooking and authentic Italian ingredients. Be a part of it! Music by John T. LaBarbera, Dionysius' Dream.

One of the most distinctive sounds of Italy is the tremolo melody of a mandolin. Carolyn Masone explores the history of this wonderful instrument with acclaimed composer, arranger and musician John T. LaBarbera. This beautiful slideshow was designed by Jefferson Harman. Special thanks to mandolincafe.com for the evocative images of vintage postcards and to mandolino.it for providing images of an authentic Vinaccia mandolin from 1781. For a transcript of this podcast, visit our Italian Journal page at http://www.essenceofitaly.net/journal/2008/02/the_mandolin_the_serenade_of_i.php

One of the most evocative sounds of Italy is the tremolo melody of a mandolin.  Carolyn Masone explores the history of this wonderful instrument with acclaimed composer, arranger and musician John T. LaBarbera.  

Find out why Perugia is the Chocolate Capital of Italy. Don't let the festival pass you by! Get all your details here while you enjoy the mandolin music of John T. LaBarbera, "Remembering You" (Lembrando Voce).

Find out why Perugia is the Chocolate Capital of Italy. Don't let the festival pass you by! Get all your details here while you enjoy the mandolin music of John T. LaBarbera, "Remembering You" (Lembrando Voce).

www.essenceofitaly.net presents our exclusive interview with Mariella Padula as she tells Carolyn Masone why she loves teaching Italian to foreign students at the Apulia Domus School in Lecce. You can visit the Apulia Domus School at http://www.apuliadomus.com/

www.essenceofitaly.net presents our exclusive interview with Nella Leo, Director of Italian Language & Activities at Apulia Domus School in Lecce. Listen as she explains to Carolyn Masone that there's more to learning Italian than sitting in a classroom. You can visit the Apulia Domus School at http://www.apuliadomus.com/