On Wednesday, April 7, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz hosted the Gravesend-based Enrico Caruso Museum of America at a Borough Hall press conference updating the Museum’s search for a new and larger location, as well as the creation of an international competition for aspiring opera singers through the new Enrico Caruso Foundation. Joining the press conference was Maurizio Antonini, deputy consul general of Italy in New York.

“The Enrico Caruso Museum is in need of a new home,” said BP Markowitz, “and it would be a shame if that home weren’t located right here in Brooklyn, U.S.A. After all, Brooklyn has always been the Italian Capital of the United States. Brooklyn is also the Creative Capital of America, and we believe in treating artists with the respect they deserve. And we believe in preserving opera, so that younger generations can appreciate an art form that fosters an interest in history, politics and philosophy, as well as a lifelong appreciation of music. Regardless of where he was from, Enrico Caruso was as Brooklyn as they come.”