BUONGIORNO!

The very first Italian Festival in Nelson was a huge success!

The atmosphere at the Air Nelson hangar was vibrant and so many people came along to experience Italy on 17 and 18 September 2011.

Nelson participated in many ways to the exceptional programme of the Festival, also adding some more interesting moments to it, such as the two Italian songs sung by a choir of the pupils from St Joseph school. Soprano Lilia Carpinelli was very much appreciated in her outstanding performance on Saturday night. The pasta eating competition was great fun and the weather was Nelson weather - what more could we have asked for!

To see some photos of the Festival, check our Facebook page.
Read an article about the Festival here!

Below you will see the programme of the Nelson Festival in detail - make sure you don't miss out nex year!

The Festival celebrated the Italian lifestyle by showcasing the best of Italy, from food and wine, aviation, motoring, interior design to art and music, in a two-day extravaganza at the Air Nelson hangar. There were Italian entertainment, live music, cooking demonstrations, and a Long Italian Table (Tavolata) hosted by Wellington's La Bella Italia.

The Long Italian Table had one seating on Saturday at 12pm and two on Sunday, one at 12pm and one at 2pm for a maximum of 66 people (bookings necessary).

Food was served in the middle of the table as a traditional shared lunch.

Antipasto Classico all' italiana – Selection of cured meats and cheeses from Italy, olives, pesto, pickles, bread.
Regal Marlborough Salmon Affumicato in Carpaccio – Regal Marlborough Smoked Salmon in Carpaccio with sour cream.

Followed by:

Risotto ai Funghi Porcini – Porcini Mushroom Risotto.
Regal Filetto di Salmone Fresco arrosto con Salsa di Capri – Regal Marlborough Capri Style Roasted Salmon Fillets.

The cooking demonstrations were performed by chefs Gabriele Cagnetta of La Bella Italia and James Perry from the NMIT's Academia Barilla.

Live entertainment at the Nelson Festival featured singer Rebecca Nelson, La Vida String Quartet, Duo Jackson, pianist Matteo Napoli, and the St Joseph's School Choir.

To buy tickets online, click here. You can also buy tickets at onCue, 63 Trafalgar St, Nelson.

"This will be the South Island’s Italian Festival event of the year. Come celebrate all that is magnificent about Italian culture..." Cav Antonio Cacace, New Zealand Italian Festival.

The New Zealand Italian Festival – Nelson has received sponsorship funding for this year's event from the Nelson Events Marketing & Development Programme, which is funded by the Nelson City Council to stimulate Nelson City's economy.

New Zealand Italian Festival - CiboArte

Nelson School of Music - Saturday 17th September, 2011 7.00pm – 9.00pm.

The New Zealand Italian Festival, in conjunction with Wild Tomato magazine and Academia Barilla, presented Nelson's first ever CiboArte event, featuring Italian Soprano Lilia Carpinelli accompanied by Italian pianist Matteo Napoli.

CiboArte is a celebration of regional Italian food (Cibo) and Italian Opera (Arte). It was an evening of superb Italian opera, and supper prepared by Nelson’s own Accademia Barilla.

Event organized by chef Gabriele Cagnetta and maitre Roberto Arena of La Bella Italia.

For more information, visit the CiboArte Event Page.

Presented by: