About The Project
VIVA VERDI! is an intimate glimpse into the lives of celebrated opera singers and musicians currently living out their ‘third act’ while mentoring international music students who live among them at Casa Verdi, Milan’s unique retirement home built by legendary composer Giuseppe Verdi in 1896. Through one-on-one interviews and archival footage, the feature documentary VIVA VERDI! follows the lives of these distinguished masters, shining a spotlight on Verdi’s legacy that is still alive and thriving over a century later. From these ‘guests of Verdi,’ age 77 to 107, comprised of international opera singers, ballet dancers, musicians, conductors and composers, we hear an extraordinary array of personal and professional stories filled with music, magic and passion, and ultimately learn why Verdi called this remarkable home his “best work.” The film will also focus on Verdi’s genius, his philanthropy, his love of nature and his influence/impact in the world of music and beyond.
DIRECTED BY: Yvonne Russo
PRODUCED BY: Christine La Monte, Yvonne Russo, and Ron Simons
About Our Work
Simone Pero is an Executive Producer of VIVA VERDI! And is also leading For Impact Productions’ work to develop and launch the film’s social impact campaign to showcase the power of music to survival and longevity. The campaign will leverage the film to increase awareness on issues and themes of ageism, eldercare, and the role of music in intergenerational exchange and learning.
More information on the film can be found at vivaverdithefilm.com and on Facebook.