Paula Liscio

New York, New York

Sprezzatura-
the art that conceals art.

For almost 40 years I have had the privilege and joy to sing in the world of Opera. I have shared the stage with Placido Domingo, Leontyne Price, Luciano Pavarotti(well, they shared it with me, standing behind them in the chorus).I’ve romped on the stage of Radio City Music Hall with the Rockettes and raised my voice for the Alvin Ailey Dance Company singing Revelations. Not a bad run.

But there has always been a tug at the heart strings, a desire to return to the land of my ancestors. In the past 10 years I have returned 5 times to explore and soak in the history, the sun, enjoy the food and the people. I keep a treasure chest of maps and notes about restaurants and cities visited. There is nothing that gives me more pleasure than initiating others into the wonders of the Italian world- nothing that is except returning there myself.

What is it that draws me in so? The sound of the Italian language being spoken will always stop me in my tracks. There is a beauty to it, a sonority that caresses the senses. Then there is the history of this country with its city-states and regions dating back to the Etruscans, the Romans and the invasions of different empires from throughout Europe. There is the art. That alone can fill volumes. It is everywhere. Even the poorest of towns has a resident masterpiece. And then there is the food. Ah, the food. And the wine. My mouth is watering as I think of the many divine (and often simple) meals I have shared there.

Come with me on this journey as I explore and reveal the treasures of this country and this culture. Share evenings with me dining al fresco on a hillside in Tuscany. Explore the embarrassment of riches that the art of Firenze(Florence) has to offer. Enjoy a private evening concert by a world famous Verdian Bass followed by a traditional 4 course dinner in a sumptuously restored Liberty style villa. Take a ferry across one of the magnificent lakes in the north. Soak up the sun. Embrace the people. Uncover, define and practice the Italian art of Sprezzatura.

  • Work
    • New York City Opera, Metropolitan Opera, RCMH
  • Education
    • Indiana University, Schubert Institute in Austria