Istituto Italiano di Cultura New York

Istituto Italiano di Cultura New York Official Profile | Italian Cultural Institute of New York
A home for Italian culture, open to all who love it

Founded in 1961, the Italian Cultural Institute of New York is an office of the Italian government, dedicated to the promotion of Italian language and culture in the United States through the organization of cultural events. Under the guidance of its trustees at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, its advisory board, and its staff, the Italian Institute of Culture of New York conforms to this commitm

ent by fostering the cultural exchange between Italy and the US in a variety of areas, from the arts to the humanities to science. Central to the Italian Cultural Institute’s mission is a constant effort to encourage the understanding and enjoyment of Italian culture by organizing and promoting cultural events in collaboration with the most prominent academic and cultural institutions of the East Coast. The Italian Cultural Institute of New York focuses on the development of initiatives aimed at showcasing Italian excellence in various fields, such as science, technology, the arts and design. The development of academic exchanges, the organization and support of visual arts exhibitions, the grants for translation and publication of Italian books, the promotion of Italian studies, and the cooperation with local institutions in planning various events that focus on Italian music, dance, cinema, theater, architecture, literature, philosophy etc., are just a few examples of the Institute’s initiatives. In conclusion, the Italian Cultural Institute of New York provides an “open window” on the cultural and social aspects of past and current Italy.

🌶🎷 Peperoncino Jazz: Davide Cerreta QuintetOn May 27, we hosted the 5th edition of the Peperoncino Jazz Festival New Yor...
05/28/2026

🌶🎷 Peperoncino Jazz: Davide Cerreta Quintet

On May 27, we hosted the 5th edition of the Peperoncino Jazz Festival New York Session – Italianity. Festival Artistic Director Sergio Gimigliano opened the evening, which featured a performance by the Davide Cerreta Quintet titled “Just in Time.”

Joined by saxophonist Stacy Dillard, vocalist Joie Bianco, and guitarist Vini Perez, pianist and vocalist Davide Cerreta presented a selection of classic standards from the Great American Songbook. The performance highlighted the dialogue between Italian musical creativity and the American jazz tradition, complemented by a tasting of traditional Calabrian wines and regional products.

📍 IIC New York, 686 Park Avenue

🌶🎷 Peperoncino Jazz: Davide Cerreta QuintetOn May 27, we hosted the 5th edition of the Peperoncino Jazz Festival New Yor...
05/28/2026

🌶🎷 Peperoncino Jazz: Davide Cerreta Quintet

On May 27, we hosted the 5th edition of the Peperoncino Jazz Festival New York Session – Italianity. Festival Artistic Director Sergio Gimigliano opened the evening, which featured a performance by the Davide Cerreta Quintet titled “Just in Time.”

Joined by saxophonist Stacy Dillard, vocalist Joie Bianco, and guitarist Vini Perez, pianist and vocalist Davide Cerreta presented a selection of classic standards from the Great
American Songbook. The performance highlighted the dialogue between Italian musical creativity and the American jazz tradition, complemented by a tasting of traditional Calabrian wines and regional products.

📍 IIC New York, 686 Park Avenue

🎹 When Jazz Meets Hip-Hop: Francesco Cavestri TrioOn May 22, pianist, composer, and Steinway Artist Francesco Cavestri r...
05/26/2026

🎹 When Jazz Meets Hip-Hop: Francesco Cavestri Trio

On May 22, pianist, composer, and Steinway Artist Francesco Cavestri returned to New York for an incredible concert at the Italian Cultural Institute, joined by talented New York-based musicians Samuel Bolduc on drums and Joav Ganor on bass.

The trio created a dynamic space for sonic exploration, where jazz, electronic music, and hip-hop engaged in a free and vibrant dialogue. A special highlight of the evening featured Cavestri joining forces with trumpet player Tony Donatelle for a moving homage to the legendary Ennio Morricone.

Blending traditional jazz with American urban culture and contemporary beatmaking aesthetics, the performance also offered the audience an exclusive sneak peek into Cavestri’s upcoming new album. It was a spectacular night of fresh previews, contemporary rhythms, and cross-cultural exchange.

📍 IIC New York, 686 Park Avenue

🗓Next Week at IIC New York: Cinema, Music and more🔹05.27 | PEPERONCINO JAZZ | DAVIDE CERRETA QUINTET: JUST IN TIMEThe It...
05/23/2026

🗓Next Week at IIC New York: Cinema, Music and more

🔹05.27 | PEPERONCINO JAZZ | DAVIDE CERRETA QUINTET: JUST IN TIME
The Italian Cultural Institute of New York presents “Just in Time,” a new project by Davide Cerreta dedicated to the timeless tradition of the Great American Songbook. This special evening features internationally renowned musicians, showcasing Davide Cerreta alongside Stacy Dillard as part of the “Italian Young Lions” series.

🔹05.28 | PEPERONCINO JAZZ | RACHEL Z & OMAR HAKIM DUO: ALL STAR SPECIAL EVENT
As part of the 5th edition of the Peperoncino Jazz Festival New York Session – Italianity, the Institute presents a live performance by legendary jazz icons Rachel Z and Omar Hakim, joined by talented bassist Jonathan Toscano.

🔹05.29 | OPEN ROADS | MEET THE STARS
On the occasion of the 25th edition of the “Open Roads: New Italian Cinema” festival, the Italian Cultural Institute is thrilled to host the stars of the opening films. Join us for an exclusive meeting with acclaimed actress and director Valeria Golino
(Fuori), alongside director Carolina Cavalli (Il Rapimento di Arabella).

🔹05.29 | CONCERT | NICK LA ROCCA & HIS BROTHERS PERFORMERS: SOME LIKE IT HOT JAZZ BAND
Presented in partnership with Carnegie Hall’s “United in Sound: America at 250” festival, this concert is a celebration of early jazz and Italian-American musical heritage. Join us for a special performance by the Some Like It Hot Jazz Band, honoring the enduring legacy and contributions of jazz pioneer Nick La Rocca.

🔹05.30 | SERIES FOR YOUNG READERS | READING IN ITALIAN
Young readers aged 6 to 12 are invited to join us for our weekly “Reading in Italian” session, curated and led by Malina Mannarino. This engaging program introduces children to Italian literature and culture through curated story readings, guided discussions, and creative, hands-on activities.

🔹05.30 | MUSICALI SI NASCE
Designed for young children, the program encourages socialization and early development through the universal language of music, led by Claudia Cali, Associate Professor for Music Education at Queens College.

🔗 register at the link in bio

✍ An Evening with Aldo CazzulloWe hosted a wonderful evening with best-selling author and journalist Aldo Cazzullo for t...
05/22/2026

✍ An Evening with Aldo Cazzullo

We hosted a wonderful evening with best-selling author and journalist Aldo Cazzullo for the
presentation of his latest book,
“The God of Our Fathers: The Great Stories of the Bible.

As part of our Book of the Month series, Cazzullo, in conversation with Claudio Pagliara,
director of the Institute, explored the Old Testament not just as a sacred text, but as a
foundational literary and cultural masterpiece of Western civilization. The evening offered a
profound reflection on memory, identity, faith, and the enduring power of storytelling across
generations.

📍 IIC New York, 686 Park Avenue


italianliterature bookofthemonth nycbooks italianculture culturalevents

📚 SuperBook Lands at Salone del Libro di TorinoOn May 17, the SuperBook literary prize traveled to the Salone Internazio...
05/22/2026

📚 SuperBook Lands at Salone del Libro di Torino

On May 17, the SuperBook literary prize traveled to the Salone Internazionale del Libro di Torino for a dedicated panel discussion titled “SuperBook, il premio dei premi: il viaggio del libro italiano a New York.”

The event featured IIC New York Director Claudio Pagliara alongside Adriano Monti Buzzetti (head of the scientific committee of Centro per il Libro e la Lettura) and SuperBook 2026 nominated authors Nicola H. Cosentino and
Leonardo San Pietro.

The discussion focused on the journey of contemporary Italian literature in the United States, the strategic importance of international translations, and the
evolving role of the SuperBook prize in promoting Italian authors on the global stage.

📍 Salone Internazionale del Libro di Torino (Lingotto, Turin)

🎶 Sicily Through Sound and MemoryOn May 15, we inaugurated the exhibition Sicilia 1954: Alan Lomax and Diego Carpitella’...
05/18/2026

🎶 Sicily Through Sound and Memory

On May 15, we inaugurated the exhibition Sicilia 1954: Alan Lomax and Diego Carpitella’s Musical Journey, curated by Rosario Perricone and Sergio Bonanzinga.

The exhibition retraces the extraordinary journey of ethnomusicologists Alan Lomax and Diego Carpitella across Sicily in 1954, documenting the island’s rich musical traditions through recordings, photographs, and archival materials. From fishermen’s songs and religious chants to rural celebrations and folk performances, the project captures the cultural identity of Sicily through the voices and sounds of its people.

Director Claudio Pagliara opened the evening, highlighting the importance of preserving and rediscovering intangible cultural heritage through music, memory, and storytelling. Guests were then guided through a unique exploration of Sicily’s soundscape and traditions, offering an immersive look into one of the most important ethnographic expeditions of the twentieth century.

Open to the public: don’t miss it.

📍 IIC New York, 686 Park Avenue
🗓️ On view through May 31st | Mon – Fri, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

🗓️Next Week at IIC New York: Literature, Music and more🔹05.21 | BOOK OF THE MONTH | “THE GOD OF OUR FATHERS” WITH ALDO C...
05/16/2026

🗓️Next Week at IIC New York: Literature, Music and more

🔹05.21 | BOOK OF THE MONTH | “THE GOD OF OUR FATHERS” WITH ALDO CAZZULLO
Join us for a book event with best-selling international author and one of Italy’s most prominent journalists, Aldo Cazzullo. In his latest book, The God of Our Fathers: The Great Stories of the Bible, Cazzullo explores some of the most iconic figures and stories of the Old Testament, reflecting on the Bible as both a literary masterpiece and a text that continues to shape contemporary culture.

🔹 05.22 | JAZZ MEETS HIP HOP | FRANCESCO CAVESTRI
Pianist, composer and producer Francesco Cavestri returns to New York for a special concert at the Italian Cultural Institute. Joined by Mattia Muller on drums and Joav Ganor on bass, the trio blends jazz, hip hop and contemporary influences into a dynamic and experimental live performance inspired by the international music scene.
🔗 Register at the link in bio

🍝 Pasta non basta | Handmade Pasta MasterclassThe second appointment of Pasta non Basta. Our masterclass series celebrat...
05/15/2026

🍝 Pasta non basta | Handmade Pasta Masterclass

The second appointment of Pasta non Basta. Our masterclass series celebrating Italian cuisine as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage brought participants into the world of handmade pasta traditions.

Led by chef Leonardo Sanguineti, alongside sommelier Alessandra Rotondi, the evening explored the craftsmanship, techniques and cultural heritage behind one of Italy’s most iconic culinary traditions.

From dough preparation to shaping fresh pasta by hand, participants experienced a fun and immersive journey through regional flavors, centuries-old knowledge and authentic Italian conviviality.

Because Italian food is never just food: it is culture, memory and identity shared around the table. 🇮🇹

👉 Stay tuned for the next masterclasses.

Ancient stories. Timeless questions. 📖✨Join us on May 21 for a special evening with best-selling author and journalist A...
05/14/2026

Ancient stories. Timeless questions. 📖✨
Join us on May 21 for a special evening with best-selling author and journalist Aldo Cazzullo, presenting his latest book “The God of Our Fathers: The Great Stories of the Bible.”

Through the stories and figures of the Old Testament, Cazzullo explores the Bible not only as a sacred text, but as one of the greatest literary and cultural foundations of Western civilization.

In conversation with Claudio Pagliara, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute of New York, Cazzullo will reflect on memory, identity, art, faith, and the enduring power of storytelling across generations.

📚 BOOK of the MONTH | “The God of Our Fathers” with Aldo Cazzullo
 📅 May 21 | 6:00 PM
 📍 IIC New York, 686 Park Avenue
 👉 Register on our website

# italianliterature

05/06/2026

Thursday, 7 May, at 6:00 PM, join us to the Italian Cultural Institute of New York!

Address

686 Park Avenue
New York, NY
10065

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 5am
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Istituto Italiano di Cultura New York posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Establishment

Send a message to Istituto Italiano di Cultura New York:

Share