U.S. Challenges Italy to Polo Match in Loudon County
Two-day charity event also to feature Italian music, fashion and food
by Francesco Isgrò

On May 9-10, 2008, the Land Rover America’s “Polo Cup” will take place at Morven Park in Leesburg, Va. The highlight of the event will be a polo match in which the United States challenges the Italian polo team for the prize of America’s Polo Cup. The event is the only invitational polo sporting match held on an international level.

The two-day charity event will also feature Italian music, fashion, and cuisine, as well as local Virginia wine. The competitive polo match between the U.S. and Italy will take place on Saturday, after musical performances and a Blackwater parachute jump.
On Friday evening, Miss Virginia 2006, Adrianna Sgarlata, a George Mason University graduate in music performance, will sing an operatic selection.

That same evening, Antonio Giuliano, the lead chorus singer for the U.S. Army, who was granted the title of “American Tenor Sergeant First Class,” will also perform. Among his many performances, Giuliano sang an a capella version of Ronald Reagan’s favorite hymn, “Amazing Grace,” at the former President’s funeral in California.

Also performing on Friday are the Gipsy Kings, a soulful band that is among the most popular musical groups in Europe, particularly in Italy.
Saturday’s entertainment includes opera star Vittorio Grigolo, who is scheduled to perform classic Italian favorites during his show at the America’s Cup. 

Before the fireworks display that will draw the event to a close, the Grammy-award winning rock band, Huey Lewis and the News, will perform.
Among the event’s caterers is D’Acqua restaurant, located on Pennsylvania Ave., and run by renowned Chef Enzo Febbraro and his partner Francesco Ricchi. Febbraro is known to use traditional Italian recipes from his mother and grandmother. Some of the signature dishes include Golden Figs and Mascarpone in Pyllo, Red Snapper Sabbiato, and a desert tray featuring tiramisu, cannoli, and sfogliatelle.
Tickets for the events range in price, from $25 to $2,000 for VIP passes that include prime parking to view the match, catered lunch, etc. Children 12 years of age and under attend for free.

General Admission tickets are available at TicketMaster.com. VIP tickets, box seats and other specialty ticketing is on sale at: www.americaspolocup.com. For more ticket information, call 1-888-695-0888.

Proceeds benefit the Journey for the Cure Foundation, a not-for-profit public charity foundation.  (Voce Italiana April 2008)