Italian Society visit Torino for study break
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Wednesday July 28 2010
The Sligo Italian Society (known as Amicizia) has come back from another annual study holiday in Italy. This year the venue was Torino, birthplace of the Fiat car manufacturer, former capital of the Italian monarchy and home to the Turin Shroud .
This is the first time the Society has picked a study venue in Piedmonte and the general opinion is that it was the most elegant location so far.
Mary Reynolds Hon. Secretary explained: " We normally spend two hours in class each day so by mid-morning we're free to get down to sight-seeing or just soaking up the atmosphere. In Turin some members went to see the home ground of the soccer giants Juventus, some to the museums and the various palaces of the aristocracy. The cooking enthusiasts went to a local cooking school to see how the specialities of this region are cooked."
One of the places visited was the little bar where the famous chocolate drink "Al Bicerin" was first developed. This café was started 1760 and has always been run by women.
"Each year we pick a different region" said Des McConville. "The map shows the towns in which the society was based in previous years. " We have been to a great variety of locations and next year we are going to Rimini on the Adriatic coast."
Classes begin in September and finish before Christmas recommencing again in January and finishing before Easter. Social activities include films, meals and concerts. There are two concerts of Italian interest this season - on the 18th September the Irish Chamber orchestra will play Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" and on 4th February the Italian Trio di Parma will be playing Schumann, Schubert and Busoni.
These are part of the Con Brio programme and part sponsored by Amicizia. For information on Amicizia-Sligo Italian Society talk to Des McConville at 087 9 789 881 or see the Sligo Champion's Social & Personal columns in early September.
