Taste and Melody: A Tribute to the Genius of the Maestro Puccini
After the resounding success of the inaugural evening on November 1st, the “THEATER OF TASTE”—an innovative experiential format blending ARTS, FINE FOOD, and DRINK—proudly announces its November events. Born from the collaboration between ANPA – National Academy of Hospitality Professions and the historic Tuscan restaurant “Il Buco” (established in 1901), the program includes two enchanting evenings titled “At the Table with Puccini” – Taste and Melody: A Tribute to the Flavors of Lucca and the Genius of the Maestro, scheduled for Friday, November 22, and Friday, November 29. These evenings commemorate the 100th anniversary of the great composer’s passing.
Curated by the Project’s Artistic Director and ANPA President, Cristina Ciferri, alongside Melissa Fontana, proprietor of Il Buco, the event offers guests the unique delight of savoring authentic Lucchese culinary specialties paired with the most celebrated arias from Puccini’s immortal repertoire. The performances will feature talented sopranos and tenors, creating a multisensory homage to Puccini, not only as an artist but also as an avid cook and gourmet.
This innovative format transforms one of the capital’s oldest restaurants into a cultural haven for artists and enthusiasts of beauty and gastronomy. Limited to 30-40 guests, each evening is a chance to enjoy intimate “mini performances with grand flavors,” fostering interaction, discussion, and conviviality.
The first event, “At the Table with Puccini” on Friday, November 22 at 8:00 PM, will transport attendees on a culinary journey inspired by the dishes Puccini loved during his lifetime. The evening will be accompanied by the extraordinary performance of Italo-Albanian soprano Ana Lushi, who will deliver unforgettable interpretations from Puccini’s masterpieces, including La Bohème, Tosca, and Madama Butterfly.
About Ana Lushi
Ana Lushi began her opera studies at a young age, graduating with top honors. She has attended masterclasses with Renato Bruson at the Rome Opera House and perfected her craft under Renata Scotto at the Santa Cecilia Academy. Since 1997, Lushi has pursued an intensive international concert career, debuting at Rome’s Teatro Argentina and winning several prestigious competitions. She has performed lead roles in numerous operas in Italy and abroad, earning accolades such as the Maison des Artistes Gold Medal for artistic merit at Rome’s “La Sapienza” University.
Her performance at the event will offer guests an immersive musical experience, paired with a menu meticulously reconstructed to reflect the rustic Lucchese cuisine Puccini adored. Signature dishes will include “fagioli al fiasco” (baked beans in a flask) inspired by the meals Puccini enjoyed at the convent where his sister resided, hearty kale soups, game dishes, and wild game risottos. All will be enhanced with fine Tuscan olive oil and accompanied by premium Tuscan wines—celebrated in Puccini’s works (“Nel bicchiere sta il piacer”).
This evening’s program also draws inspiration from the artistic event “Puccini and His Heroines”, held on September 27 at the Sala della Protomoteca on Capitol Hill and curated by Anna Maria Brazzò, a distinguished organizer of cultural, artistic, and fashion events.
A Journey Through Puccini’s Life
Between courses and arias, the evening will also offer space for storytelling and free discussion among guests about Puccini’s life. Anecdotes, passions, and the Maestro’s multifaceted personality—poet, intellectual, and above all, a keen observer of women—will be highlighted. His heroines, timeless metaphors of our modern era, reflect the complexity of human emotion: youth and age, innocence and audacity, joy and suffering, courage and sacrifice.
For bookings and information:
Press Office: +39 393 9230999 – ufficiostampa@anpascuola.com
Il Buco Restaurant: +39 06 80079696 / +39 328 3324061
Address: Via di S. Ignazio, 7/8 – Rome
