On April 22, 2022, Northeastern Illinois University and Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater will host the Cardinal Bartolucci Foundation Choir from Rome, for a program of sacred music, Spanish dance, and Italian opera arias.

The performance will mark the first done by the choir in Chicago, and comes in tribute to Dame Libby Komaiko, the late founder of EE. Dancers from the ensemble will join the choir for a performance of the “Habanera” from Bizet’s “Carmen.” The program will feature an excerpt from Bartolucci’s upcoming opera “Brunellesco,” which celebrates the life of Filippo Brunelleschi, who built the Brunelleschi Dome in Florence.

“Many of the people who perform Spanish dance are Catholic,” Executive Director of Ensemble Español Jorge Perez said in an official press statement. “With this performance, we will be able to connect our art with our faith, honor our beloved founder, Dame Libby, and do so at our home, Northeastern Illinois University. We are honored to be able to be a part of this historic event.”

The event is free to the public, with tickets being required due to limited seating. Masks will be required on campus due to the university’s interim COVID-19 policy.