From Calabria to Carnegie: Music for Bread
Join the Italian American Program for a discussion with author Mary Ferro on her book, “From Calabria to Carnegie: Music for Bread.”
Published in 2023, the memoir chronicles Ferro’s ancestors’ voyage from the picturesque landscapes of southern Italy to the bustling community of Carnegie, Pa. A journey not without hardships, the book highlights her family’s courage, resilience, and enduring love of music as they made a new life for themselves in America.
Melissa E. Marinaro, director of the History Center’s Italian American Program, will be in conversation with Ferro to discuss the book and how Italian immigrants helped shape our nation’s history.
Following the program, Ferro will sign copies of his book for attendees. The book will be available for purchase at the program.
Admission
This program is free with advance registration.
About the Book
Even in this land of opportunity, life is made up of hard work with meager pay. Like so many others, Ferro’s grandmother had to take in boarders to help pay the rent.
When a nun at the Catholic school realizes that Ferro’s mother has serious musical talent and suggests the child take piano lessons, Grandma Vittoria, tells her that they cannot possibly pay for lessons. So, the sister offers to give Giovanna piano lessons in exchange for Vittoria’s homemade Italian bread. And thus begins the musical life of this family that has been gifted with a beautiful talent they will come to share with the world.
But it is their Italian heritage and the love and respect they have for their traditions, their families and friends that comes shining through in good times and in bad. All of this and the simple teaching of gratitude—always gratitude—as the author looks back and sees how her grandmother’s simple loaves of homemade bread, “Just like the Bible story where Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes… multiplied blessings of musical talents that would affect many generations to come.”
About the Author
Mary Ferro was born and raised in Carnegie, Pa. A graduate of Carlynton High School and Duquesne University’s School of Music, she began her piano studies at age 7. She studied with her mother Jane Ferro, Patricia Jaynes (formerly of Carnegie Mellon University and Chatham College), and Beverly Nero of Duquesne University. Ferro also studied under the internationally known vocal coach, Professor Lorenzo Malfatti, who worked with Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli.
Her talent for the piano became evident at age 12 when she began performing as keyboardist with her twin brother Vince, a guitarist. Ferro has served as a professional pianist in various capacities, from accompanist to Keyboard 1 in High School Musicals, Keyboardist in Classic Rock Bands and as a church musician. She was the musical director of the international performing folk group I Campagnoli, directed by her mother Jane P. Ferro. This troupe performed throughout the United States and Europe.
Ferro is the former Music Educator from the Carlynton School District and was employed as Choral Director and General Music Instructor. Outside of the music world, she was a broadcaster for WDUQ 90.5FM for two years as the host of the radio show, “Rock Before Your Ears.” Her love of music, does not exclude a sense of humor. Some of her Comedienne appearances: The Howie Mandel Talk Show, America’s Funniest People, WOR Radio N.Y.C., and RudeTube, London, England Y97 with Jimmy and Steve.