Viva Verdi: How a Beloved Opera Composer Inspired Dreams at a Retirement Home for Musicians – Contenders Documentary
Renowned composer Giuseppe Verdi, celebrated for masterpieces such as La Traviata, Il Trovatore, and Aida, valued one project above all others: the establishment of a retirement home for musicians. This initiative culminated in the creation of Casa Verdi, located in Piazza Michelangelo Buonarroti, Milan, which has provided a sanctuary for over 1,500 retired artists since its inception more than a century ago.
The Oscar-nominated documentary Viva Verdi! offers a glimpse into life at Casa Verdi, where violinists, harpists, percussionists, pianists, and singers reside, enjoying their later years in a vibrant, music-rich setting.
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The film, produced by La Monte Productions, SimonSays Entertainment, and Wanbli, features several residents, including Claudio Giombi, Lina Vasta, Anthony Kaplen, and Chitose Matsumoto. Matsumoto, a Japanese singer and pianist who built her career in Italy, shared with filmmakers that she would be homeless without Casa Verdi. Christine La Monte, writer-producer and executive producer, highlighted the significance of this haven for its residents.
“First of all, you see these little Verdi altars in every room,” La Monte remarked. “All of [the guests] say, ‘My dreams have come true here. I don’t have to think about work. I can work with other artists.’ It’s a dream come true for all of them.”
Emmy-winning composer Nicholas Pike created the score for Viva Verdi!, including an original aria titled “Sweet Dreams of Joy,” performed by soprano Ana María Martinez. Pike noted that the inspiration to write the aria came effortlessly, possibly influenced by Verdi’s spirit.
“Christine … gave me this 12-minute clip [of the film] … It was just so full of life,” he recalled. “It was so inspiring that I literally walked over to the piano behind me and wrote that piece. It doesn’t happen like that all the time. Many projects you’re on, you’re like, ‘OK, I’ve got to find something to inspire me to write here.’ That was not the case here. It was just full-on right from the beginning.”
Stay tuned for the panel video scheduled for Tuesday.
