Italian Language Week

Macbeth : A night at the Opera . . . in Italiano!

To celebrate the worldwide Italian Language Week in Perth, the Consulate of Italy and the West Australian Opera invited 10 schools to take part in the Opera Youth Night of Macbeth, one of Giuseppe Verdi's most-renowned scores, which is a wonderful fusion of traditional English literature and the Italian language.

In creating this event, organisers wanted to engage young people in a vibrant learning environment outside the traditional classroom. St Norbert College was very proud to be among attendees, represented by Year 11 students Sasha Bitao, Shania Curia and Lorenzo Donatelli.

“I absolutely loved the night! The storyline was played out very well by the opera singers and the music kept the atmosphere alive. Meeting and listening to both Mr David Balloni, the WA consul of Italy, and Her Excellency Ms Francesca Tardioli, the Ambassador of Italy to Australia, reminded me that my Italian culture is still alive in Australia and flourishing for everyone to see. I even made some friends from Trinity College on the way! It was truly a night to remember”. 

                                      (Lorenzo Donatelli)

“Watching Macbeth was not the only highlight of the Opera night - making new friends with like-minded students, meeting important and inspiring figures such as distinguished Ambassador H.E. Francesca Tardioli and the Italian Consul, David Balloni, and gaining a new appreciation for Italy and its culture not only in relation to Australia, but also holistically, really made the night special.

Watching the Opera itself made me realise that Italy is integral not only in regards to its innumerable contributions to the opera and the Arts, but also to its commitment and contributions to our community in Australia.

I hope to see similar events facilitate an interest in learning about the Italian language and culture not only in our school, but also in the wider community”. 

(Shania Curia)

"The Opera was a wonderful experience provided by the College, which offered such an amazing night full of talent, language and new experiences.

It's one of the most memorable nights I've had in my time at St Norbert College. The singers were of a calibre all to themselves, akin to the sound of angels. The set and orchestra were also phenomenal, everything came together so well and it gave me an entrancing experience. Extra points to Antoinette Halloran who played Lady Macbeth, she was  astounding". 

                                                                                                                                                                                     (Sasha Bitao)                                                                                                                                       

Ms D Tersigni (Italian Teacher)