Wednesday 25th January 2012

• QUIZ ABOUT ITALY 
• Presented by Tony White
  Followed by a short Annual General Meeting of the Circle
  
• Our chairman, Tony White, will challenge us with a light hearted quiz in Italian about our knowledge of Italy.  The quiz will be followed the Circle’s AGM – do come and give us your opinions and make suggestions for the Circle’s future programme. 

Wednesday 22nd February 2012

• CARNIVAL IN ITALY 
• A talk in Italian by Anna Maria Baker and Gabriella McGhee
  
• Anna Maria and Gabriella will talk about Carnival time in Italy as they knew it when they were young.  They will also discuss regional characters and masks.  For refreshments they will offer their homemade Italian savoury appetizers and sweetmeats.  

Wednesday 21st March 2012

• THE PLEASURES OF THE GONZAGA COURT: PALAZZO TE AT MANTUA
• An illustrated talk in Italian by Claudia Daniotti
  
• Built by Marquis of Mantua Federico Gonzaga around 1530 as an homage to his mistress Isabella Boschetti, Palazzo Te is certainly one of the most astonishing works of art of the Italian Renaissance. Designed and decorated by Raphael’s favourite pupil Giulio Romano, the palace became a villa for Federico to relax from his official duties, as well as the most prestigious symbol of the marquis’ fame. Walking through beautifully frescoed rooms and surprisingly ingenious scenographic inventions, Claudia Daniotti will lead us into a masterpiece whose first function has been to entertain, to amuse and to impress.  

Other 2012 meeting dates

        
         18 April
         23 May
         18 July
         19 September
         17 October
         14 November
         12 December