In brief
At the heart of Parma lies Club dei 27, an elite society devoted to Giuseppe Verdi, where membership is earned only upon death or retirement. With a shared adoration for the composer, members commemorate his legacy through music and ritualistic celebrations, creating a unique camaraderie among them.
In the picturesque surroundings of Parma, Italy, an exclusive club pays homage to the illustrious opera titan, Giuseppe Verdi. Named Club dei 27, its members, diverse in profession yet united by their profound admiration for Verdi, gather to celebrate his legacy. Their most recent gathering, held last month, featured a heartfelt rendition of "Va Pensiero," the iconic chorus from "Nabucco," in lieu of a traditional "Happy Birthday."What sets Club dei 27 apart is its intriguingly strict membership criteria: potential members—exclusively men—can only join upon the death or retirement of an existing member. This policy generates an almost morbid anticipation among the club, as expressed light-heartedly by President Enzo Petrolini, who remarked on the unwelcome prospect of a waiting list. Unlike the 27 Club, which mourns the loss of artists who met an untimely demise at the age of 27, Club dei 27 embraces life and passion for opera well beyond that age threshold. As the members raised their glasses in celebration of Verdi's 211th birthday, chants of "Viva Verdi" echoed through the air, underscoring an unbroken bond that transcends time—one that elevates Verdi beyond the realm of history and into the realm of enduring legacy.
