The prestigious Enrico Caruso International Award “From San Giovanniello to New York” has crossed the ocean the first time to be celebrated in the heart of the Big Apple, in conjunction with the historic Columbus Day festivities.
An extraordinary event that, between 11 and 12 October 2026, has joined the faith, the knightly history and the Italian-American cultural pride, restoring value and visibility to many Italians who have distinguished themselves in New York and the United States: just that land that welcomed the great Caruso, consecrating it to myth and world fame.
Under the leadership of international presidents Donatella Cotesta and Marco Pisano, together with the president of New York Nicola Trombetta. Designed by Maestro Armando Jossa, the 2026 edition offered an ideal bridge between the Neapolitan roots of the legendary tenor and its overseas successes.
In Italy, the Prize boasts a consolidated institutional tradition, having been awarded in locations of the highest prestige, including the Sala della Regina della Camera dei Deputati e il Senato della Repubblica.
The celebrations began in a suggestive sacred setting with the Solemn Holy Mass, introducing the ancient and moving rite of the Knights’ Dress Chapter of the “Poveri cavaliers of San Bernardo di Chiaravalle”, led by the Grand Prior Massimo Civale. A moment of deep spirituality that has strengthened the brotherly ties in the name of the highest values of traditional cavalry.
The event then entered the live Mario Restaurant, located at 2342 Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, the centerpiece of New York Italy, with the ceremony of delivery of the Caruso Award 2026, designed to reward the excellence of compatriots that give prestige to Italy in institutions, culture, journalism, show, entrepreneurship and communication.
During the awarding evening of the Caruso Prize, Donatella Cotesta interpreted some monologues taken from the comedies “What they do not say about me… Anna Magnani” and “A certain Roman story”, two fundamental pièce of the Italian New Verism, written together with Giulio de Nicolais d’Afflitto. Two works of particular dramaturgical intensity, of which Cotesta himself has curated the direction and interpretation, contributing to the diffusion of this original expression of contemporary Italian theatre even beyond national borders.
This year’s award was enriched by an exclusive work of art: a sculpture created by the famous master Enzo Cacciatori of Latina, inspired by a painting by Maestro Armando Jossa. The work visually embodies the indissoluble link between Naples and the United States, celebrating the excellence of Italian art craftsmanship on the global scene.
Numerous personalities awarded in this memorable transatlantic edition, protagonists of the Italian Excellence in the United States, symbols of an Italian laborious, creative and rooted in success:
German Cinzia – Cantante InternazionaleFio Bros – Brothers Nik and Mike Fiorito, Digital Creator and Podcaster of great success. Regina Migliucci – EntrepreneurshipRosa Coppola – JournalistTeo Ricciardella – CantanteJames Rizzo – Board of Directors of BCB BankCarmine Di Bello – CantanteCav. Josephine A. Maietta – President AIA Educators, producer and conductor of “Sabato Italiano” on 88.7 FM WRHUCav. Anthony Pasquale – Radio ICN New YorkDavide Ippolito – JournalistDr. Enrico D’Angelo – Medico Chirurgo
Taking this award for the first time in the American metropolis, the event reiterated its role as a cultural pillar: a unique way to keep alive the immortal spirit of Enrico Caruso and celebrate the talent and value of Italians of America on the most significant weekend for the Italian-American community.
L’articolo Caruso International Award lands in New York: triumph of Italian talents proviene da IlNewyorkese.
