The Risorgimento Project is a research-and-performance initiative dedicated to the intimate music of the private realms of the nineteenth-century: the drawing room, the parlour, and the salon. Mezzo-soprano Julia Grella and pianist Francesco Izzo are both acclaimed performers and scholars of historical musicology who have performed and presented together since 1997, appearing throughout the United States, England, and Italy. With master concertina player Allan Atlas, we also make up two-thirds of the New York Victorian Consort. Francesco is a lecturer in music at the University of Southampton, England, and Julia, a recent graduate of the Doctor of Musical Arts degree program in voice performance at the City University of New York, is a Teaching Artist for the Board of Cooperative Education Services of New York State.
The Risorgimento Project's work is focused especially on domestic art song in England and Italy, including music written and performed by women, music by Italian composers resident in Victorian Britain, and songs in the form of private devotional prayers. "Risorgimento" means resurgence or rebirth, and refers to the period in Italian history from which some of the music we perform is drawn. We hope to bring about a resurgence of interest in these beautiful repertoires as we continue to introduce them to the public through performances and workshops, and to revive the lost art of making and enjoying music among friends.
We are available for intimate concerts, lecture-recitals, and unique music-in-education programs for elementary, middle, and high school students studying the European and American History components of the social studies curriculum.
For bookings, sample programs, and other general information, please Contact Us.
