With Rossini, Mascagni, Mendelssohn & Brahms

In this 50th anniversary year of the death of Arturo Toscanini, the greatest conductor of the 20th Century, the Italian Embassy in Washington hosted the Symphonica Toscanini on January 11th, in its inaugural concert of a tour commemorating the Maestro's role in broadcasting and recording, as well as in the concert hall and opera house. The evening drew together leaders in the cultural, diplomatic and political life of the nation's capital for a joyous and moving celebration of 4 of Toscanini's signature scores, including Rossini's rousing "Barber of Seville" Overture and the haunting Intermezzo from "Cavalleria Rusticana," conducted by music director Lorin Maazel, -- like Toscanini before him, director also of the New York Philharmonic.

This winery was honored to be commissioned to provide Barboursville Chardonnay 2005 as the white wine of the evening, while our founder's Italian estate furnished the red, Zonin Ripasso 2003. Winemaker Luca Paschina, shown here with Mr. and Mrs. Valfredo Toscanini, represented Barboursville and Dott. and Mrs. Gianni Zonin in an evening of unforgettable warmth.