In brief
Club dei 27, an exclusive male-only society in Parma dedicated to composer Giuseppe Verdi, celebrated his 211th birthday with a choral homage, highlighting its unique membership rules and cultural significance.
In the scenic Italian city of Parma, members of the exclusive Club dei 27 recently came together to honor the celebrated composer Giuseppe Verdi on the occasion of his 211th birthday. Rather than the traditional “Happy Birthday,” the club serenaded Verdi with the moving chorus “Va Pensiero” from his opera "Nabucco," a piece so cherished that some have suggested it should become the national anthem of Italy.The Club dei 27 recruits its members from various professional backgrounds, including bankers, surgeons, and vendors, but they all share a deep affection for Verdi's operatic genius. What sets this club apart is its stringent membership policy: only men are eligible to join, and they can only become members when a current member passes away or retires. This unorthodox method has created a considerable waiting list, and the club’s president Enzo Petrolini humorously remarked on the practice of "touching wood" upon receiving an application as a superstition to prevent any untimely departures.Contrary to misinterpretations, Club dei 27 is distinct from the notorious "27 Club," which refers to iconic musicians who tragically died at the age of 27. For this group of Italian opera aficionados, the focus is instead on longevity and celebration of life. As the celebration progressed, Mr. Petrolini raised his glass in toast, declaring, “For the 211th time, happy birthday to Maestro Verdi!” His words were met with enthusiastic cheers of “Viva Verdi,” echoing the spirit of camaraderie and devotion that defines this unique club.
