On Friday night, a group of TCU students plan to travel to the Winspear Opera House in Dallas to experience Italian culture.
The students, members of TCU’s Italian Club, have tickets for Giuseppe Verdi’s “Don Carlo.” The night out is an extension of their mission to make Italian culture something students live, not just study.
The “Night at the Opera” event reflects the organization’s broader purpose: to foster an active and authentic relationship between Italy and the United States, while creating a sense of community on campus. Through cooking classes, club meetings, game nights and cultural outings, the club aims to bring Italian traditions to life in ways that feel immersive and accessible.
Members of TCU’s Italian Club attend the Dallas Opera during the fall 2024 semester, continuing a growing tradition of cultural outings for the organization. (Photo courtesy of TCU Italian Club)
“I would describe the identity of the Italian Club as cultural, authentic and community,” said Alexandra Saied, senior marketing and business information systems major who is also the club’s president. She said events are designed to be interactive and welcoming, whether students speak Italian or are simply curious about the culture.
Saied said choosing “Don Carlo” was intentional. One of Verdi’s most acclaimed works, it explores themes of love, duty and political conflict. Experiencing it live, she said, allows students to see how language, history and artistic expression intersect.
“Attending the opera aligns really well with the club’s mission because it allows students to engage actively with Italian language, art and culture outside the classroom,” Saied said.
Faculty advisers said the club serves as an extension of academic learning. Nicholas Albanese, associate professor of Italian and chair of the Department of Modern Language Studies, described the organization as “co-curricular rather than extra-curricular,” because it reinforces classroom concepts through lived experience.
“Without cultural clubs, campuses risk becoming academically strong but culturally narrow,” he said.
For students, the impact is often personal.
Raemia Kelly, a first year creative writing major, joined after enrolling in Italian courses. She said the club quickly became a highlight of her college experience. As someone who sometimes feels socially awkward, she said the welcoming environment has pushed her to build connections.
She said she has never attended an opera before but is eager to experience it with fellow members.
“Live performances are often so much more impactful in person,” Kelly said. “Opera isn’t exactly a common topic of conversation amongst my peers, but it’s another form of art that can be enjoyed by any age.”
Syrah Omar, a junior computer science major and a member of the club’s social media leadership team, said events like the opera offer something lectures alone cannot.
“Culture can certainly be taught, but in order for us to truly appreciate and understand it, we must engage with it,” Omar said.
Students gather for a tiramisu cooking class, inviting members and their friends to experience Italian culture through hands-on culinary tradition. (Photo courtesy of TCU Italian Club)