Spotlight on Italian Music
Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Included with paid museum admission;
free for members
Event Details
Get excited for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy with a tour and tarantella workshop from MIM’s Junior Museum Guides and live performances from Italian soprano Ripalta Bufo, accordionist Tony Putrino, and vocalist ILIANA!
Supported by the Italian Association of Arizona
Kick off your experience early with a taste of Italy! Enjoy Italian-inspired bites and sips at Café Allegro’s event bar from noon to 4 p.m.
Opera Performance: Ripalta Bufo
12:15–12:45 p.m.
North El Río
Enjoy a performance from internationally acclaimed Italian soprano Ripalta Bufo! A finalist on Italia’s Got Talent, Bufo will perform some of opera’s most famous arias.
Youth-Led Mini-Tours
12:45–1:15 p.m. and 1:30–2:00 p.m.
Upper El Río
Follow MIM’s Junior Museum Guides on a short, informative tour of the galleries with a special focus on Italy.
Youth-Led Music-Making Workshop
12:45–1:15 p.m. and 1:30–2:00 p.m.
Event Room 3
Join the Junior Museum Guides in a fun tarantella workshop in collaboration with Duo Yvapuru. The tarantella is a southern Italian dance that was originally intended as a cure for a spider bite.
Pop-Up Accordion Performance: Tony Putrino
1:15–1:30 p.m. and 2:15–2:30 p.m.
Central El Río
Stroll El Río with talented local accordionist Tony Putrino as he performs notable Italian songs.
Performance: ILIANA
3:30–4:00 p.m.
North El Río
Cap off the day with a fun acoustic set of popular Italian music with ILIANA—an Italian American artist based in the Valley!
Weekend Extras Available for Purchase
Lunch at Café Allegro
Offered daily 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Celebrate the flavors of Italy! Enjoy a refreshing Aperol spritz or an espresso martini as you savor Italian-inspired bites, including arancini with Calabrian chile, and classic tomato caprese bruschetta. Immerse yourself in the tastes and sounds of Italy for this afternoon celebration!
