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This page updated on April 26, 2006

A Dream Becomes A Reality

The date was October 7, 1959. Suddenly, just as he was about to be discharged from the Valle Giulia Clinic in Rome, the golden voice of Mario Lanza was stilled by cardiac arrest. The world was in indescribable shock. Soon a number of fan clubs were formed throughout the world. A group of friends and prominent Philadelphians then formed a committee to honor Lanza by getting the mayor of Philadelphia, Richardson Dilworth, to proclaim October 7, 1961 as Mario Lanza Day. On this day a mass was sung in Mario's memory at St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Church. Here as a young altar boy Mario had sung the Ave Maria. Each year since, a 10:00 AM Mass is celebrated on the day of the Ball. Having embarked on an exciting career of his own, Mario Lanza nurtured a dream.......a dream to provide the opportunity and financial aid to talented youngsters aspiring to vocal careers on concert and opera stages.


In 1962, the wheels were put in motion whereby Lanza's dream would come to fruition. Attorney John A. Papola obtained a charter under the non-profit corporation law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for an organization to be known as the Mario Lanza Institute. The following were the original signers of the Articles of Incorporation: Arnold Lanza, Joseph Curreri, Mildred Fisher, John A. Papola, Esq..


Each year, the Mario Lanza Institute holds vocal auditions on the last Monday and Tuesday in October, prior to Ball week in November. Excitement is at high pitch when these awards are announced at the Ball.


To date over 200 scholarships have been awarded and many winners have gone on to sing in major opera houses. Lando Bartolini, an early winner, and more recently, Juan Diego Florez are two of the many recipients who have made their mark on the international music scene.
Maria Lanza Cocozza, Mario's mother, always remained close to the Institute and attended the Ball until her death in 1970 together with Terry Robinson and Mario's children. Mario's dream was her dream and the Mario Lanza Institute will endeavor to keep the dream alive. Mario’s son Damon Lanza regularly attends the Ball each year to pay tribute to his father.


Yes, in death Mario left a legacy, a legacy to the talented young singers seeking similar careers. This legacy was inspired during Mario's life and in death became a reality through the organization founded by those who realized his dream..........the Mario Lanza Institute.