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Takeo Hayano with pre-ball performers Eiko Watanabe, Mario Balestra, Rafffaella LoCastro

Sam Vitale and Mario Balestra perform O sole mio.

2008 Mario Lanza Ball

 

 

Ellisa Lanza Bregman and Bobbie Bregman

 

Accompanist Luke Housner with scholarship winners soprano Jessica Cambio (3rd place), Soprano Erin Sanzero (4th Place), Soprano Jeanette Vecchione (1st Place), and baritone David Krohn (2nd Place).

2009 Birthday Cake

Mary and Guests

Mario Lanza Park

Located in the middle of a Philadelphia block on Queen Street between Second and Third Streets, the Mario Lanza Park is but another tribute to that city's beloved son. It is a short walk from Lanza's birthplace, St Mary Magdalen de Pazzi, and the Mario Lanza Museum. The park was originally known as "Queen Street Park" but at the behest of the Lanza family and most notably Hilda Lanza, the city fathers renamed it "Mario Lanza Park." It was dedicated on September 29, 1967 in a ceremony attended by Lanza family members including Mario's mother Maria Cocozza as well as the President of the Mario Lanza Institute Nicholas Petrella and a representative of the Mayor's office. The Lanza Institute had a plaque placed on top of a brick podium with the following inscription: "Mario Lanza Park- Erected by the Mario Lanza Institute in memory of the great Philadelphia tenor. Dedicated Sept. 29 1967. Mario Lanza 1921-1959."

The park is very picturesque and serene and is the perfect setting to relax on one of the benches and read a book, have lunch, or listen to your favorite Mario Lanza recordings. There are four banners equally spaced around the park each bearing the name of the park and a facsimile of Lanza in a tuxedo singing. There is also a bulletin board for announcements. The park is populated with a variety of trees and bushes and there is a special enclosed section for citizens to let their dogs get some exercise. It should be noted that the Mario Lanza Park is a city park and is not owned, operated, or maintained by the Mario Lanza Institute.

Taken from "The Legacy of Mario Lanza" newsletter courtesy of Bill Ronayne