At The Stars of Summer International Piano & Vocal Competition & Festival, we are thrilled to announce another year of a very special award, the Liliana Colage Italian Music Prize. This prestigious prize has been generously established by Liliana's daughter, Beatrice Colage, as a personal gift donation in memory of her mother. In this blog post, we want to celebrate the life and legacy of Liliana Colage, and highlight the significance of the Italian Music Prize in her honor.
Liliana Colage: A Life Dedicated to Education and the Arts:
Born in Rome, Italy, Liliana Colage immigrated to the United States in 1957, becoming an American citizen in 1964. She earned a Master's Degree in Education from Case Western Reserve University of Cleveland in 1967 and held a degree in Foreign Languages and Literatures, specializing in French, from the University of Rome in 1949. Liliana's passion for education led her to become a French and Italian teacher, making a significant impact in both Italy and the United States.
A Multifaceted Talent:
Liliana Colage was not only a dedicated educator but also a talented writer, traveler, bowler, quilter, and player of "Briscola." Her love for literature and language inspired her to be an avid reader of contemporary Italian literature, a frequent lecturer in Italian for Il Cenacolo, a prolific writer, and a published poet. Liliana's diverse interests and contributions enriched the cultural landscape of her community. In June of 1996, Liliana Donati Colagè presented “The Italian Garden, Pearl of Rockefeller Park” at a special event held at the Italian Cultural Garden. Her poem was printed in the August 1996 edition of La Gazzetta Italiana.
The Liliana Colage Italian Music Prize:
In honor of Liliana's passion for education and the arts, The Stars of Summer International Piano & Vocal Competition & Festival is proud to present The Liliana Colage Italian Music Prize. This special recognition is awarded to participants who perform a piece by any Italian composer during the competition. The winners have the opportunity to receive a monetary award of $300, which may be split among up to three deserving recipients.
A Tribute to Liliana's Legacy:
The Liliana Colage Italian Music Prize not only celebrates Liliana's love for her Italian heritage and music but also encourages participants to explore the rich repertoire of Italian composers. By acknowledging outstanding performances of Italian compositions, this award pays homage to Liliana's devotion to education and the arts, ensuring her legacy lives on.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Beatrice Colage for her heartfelt donation in memory of her mother, Liliana Colage. The establishment of The Liliana Colage Italian Music Prize adds a meaningful dimension to The Stars of Summer International Piano & Vocal Competition & Festival. It not only recognizes exceptional talent but also perpetuates the spirit of passion and appreciation for music and education that Liliana embodied throughout her life.
We look forward to witnessing the remarkable performances that will earn participants the prestigious Liliana Colage Italian Music Prize. May this award inspire young musicians to explore the beauty of Italian music and ignite their own passion for the arts.
For more information about The Stars of Summer International Piano & Vocal Competition & Festival and the Liliana Colage Italian Music Prize, please visit our website at www.thestarsofsummerusa.com.