The voice of Enrico Caruso returns to echo through New York. More than a century after his historic debut at the Metropolitan Opera, the city that turned him into a legend will host the fifth edition of the Caruso Tribute Prize, created by Dante Mariti and produced by Melos International.
From October 12 to 14, 2025, the Big Apple will become an international stage dedicated to the Neapolitan tenor who was the first to bring Italian opera across the Atlantic – becoming not only a symbol of opera itself but also the first true pop star of classical music, with millions of records sold. It will be a journey through music, memory, and celebration.
The program features several highlights:
• October 12: Concerto for Caruso in the beautiful Basilica of Old Saint Patrick, featuring tenor Alessandro Lora, soprano Chiara Cremaschi, pianist Alessandro Marini, and Spanish singer Amalia.
• October 13: Award recipients and artists will march along Fifth Avenue in the spectacular Columbus Day Parade, followed by millions of spectators and broadcast live nationwide.
• October 14, 6:00 p.m.: Grand Gala at the Italian American Museum – an evening of music, awards, and distinguished guests, under the patronage of the Consulate General of Italy and the COMITES of New York.
The main figures
Serving as godmother of the event will be Veronica Maya from Sorrento – one of the most beloved personalities in Italian television – who will host the evening alongside RAI journalist Nicola Santini. Among the honorees are several distinguished names: opera diva Katia Ricciarelli; renowned entrepreneur Santo Versace; Don Luigi Portarulo, rector of the Basilica of Old Saint Patrick; Joseph Scelsa, founder and president of the Italian American Museum; Silvana Mangione, Deputy Secretary of the General Council of Italians Abroad (CGIE); young tenor Alessandro Lora as the new crossover talent; Enrico Zanon, president of COMITES New York; Neapolitan tenor Nicola Pisaniello, ambassador of bel canto around the world; and Germana Valentini, Italian television author and writer with a deep background in culture, gastronomy, and Italian American heritage.
Also receiving honors are Federica Raimo, Neapolitan singer; the Alaia–Casaburo Law Firm of Campania, a key reference point for the Italian American community; Francesca Pascale for her commitment to civil rights; and Ornella Fado, New York television personality and creator of the show Brindiamo!, now celebrating its 20th season.
The show will be further enriched by performances from soprano Chiara Cremaschi, showgirl Tanya La Gatta, and Spanish singer Amalia.
The mission of the award
“The Caruso Tribute Prize is much more than an honor,” said creator and producer Dante Mariti. “It’s a bridge between Italy and America – a way to celebrate excellence in all its forms, from opera to cinema, from entrepreneurship to social commitment, to art and science.”
In previous editions, the award has been presented to distinguished artists and personalities such as tenors Fabio Armiliato and Gianluca Terranova, actor Armand Assante, Gianni Russo of The Godfather, and Congressman Christian Di Sanzo. This year, the prize takes on even greater significance with a unique creation by artist Rosa Maria Raffaele – a refined, limited-edition bas-relief sculpture in polychrome ceramic.
