A Venetian Carnival With
The "Northern Counts" of the 18th century
he journey
wishes to re-enact an historical event that actually took place
between the 18th and 24th January 1782: the visit of the "Northern
Counts" to Venice. By the term "Northern Counts"
the Venetians intended all nobility, governors and personalities
in general, who visited the powerful and opulent Republic
of Venice.
his visit,
which took place in 1782, was made by Nicholas Petrovic
heir to the Russian throne (later Tzar Paul I), son of Catherine
the Great, Empress of Russia. The Tzarevich was accompanied
by his wife Maria Feodorvna, born Princess Maria Sophia
Dorothea von Wurttemberg, by her brother Prince Frederick von
Wurttemberg and a large retinue of nobles and courtiers.
enice greeted
the "Northern Counts" with a pomp, opulence and enthusiasm
of the common people that left the guests ecstatic.
ur journey
is going to follow in the footsteps of the Russian and Venetian
Courts, recreating the welcoming reception, performances and situations
that so delighted the "Northern Counts" and their retinue.
any of the
ambiances - as chronicled at that time - can not be used. Time
has taken it's toll and most of the palaces used then either fallen
into disrepair or have been designated for other uses. We have
exchanged the original palaces for other splendid palaces that
maintain intact the characteristics of charm, elegance and refinement
that contributed to the success of the visit. We would like to
say that it is highly probable and almost certain - that the visitors
were guests at the palaces we have chosen for the re-enactment.
The Tzarevich received, and accepted, many invitations by the
local nobility in Venetian Palaces.
o the participants
we leave the honor and responsibility of impersonating royalty,
nobles and dignitaries of the Russian court and retinue, but also
ambassadors from many countries visiting the opulent Republic
of Venice at that time. The Venetian nobility will be represented
by authentic noblemen and noblewomen. Even in make-believe we
wish to create an evocative and truthful encounter between different
cultures, between guests and hosts in an unrepeatable scenario.
e have set
ourselves the task of recreating the magic of days gone by and
the tangible magnificence that has brought together the splendor
of composers such as Antonio Vivaldi, Baldassarre Galuppi, Nicolo'
Porpora and Pasquale Anfossi; painters such as Domenico Tiepolo,
Jacopo Guarana, Francesco Guardi, Pietro Longhi, Angelika Kauffmann
and writers such as Carlo Goldoni and Giacomo Casanova.
ach participant
will receive for the duration of the re-enactment splendid period
costumes with all the necessary instructions for wearing
them gracefully and with pride: obviously the participants will
take good care of the small fortune in their trust - ranging between
$5,000 and $12,000 per personality. Precious brocades, silks,
laces and gold embroidery are only some of the ingredients which
make each of these costumes a work of art. The costumes will be
provided by Stefano Nicolao, the famous costume designer
(Oscar nomination for Farinelli).
atering will
be in the hands of world famous companies such as Dino Boscarato
and Harry's Bar and will be the best that Venetian cuisine
can provide.
he cost of
the crowd participation in this re-enactment would equal a colossal
Hollywood production so, for this reason, we have moved the date
forward a little so that it coincides with the Venetian Carnival
of 1997.
arnival in
Venice is a worthy host for this journey, unique in its kind,
which aims at being not only a journey in time but also an excursion
into culture, art, customs, gastronomy, amusement and luxury.
Copyright Hello America, Inc. 1996 All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
he journey
wishes to re-enact an historical event that actually took place
between the 18th and 24th January 1782: the visit of the "Northern
Counts" to Venice. By the term "Northern Counts"
the Venetians intended all nobility, governors and personalities
in general, who visited the powerful and opulent 
enice greeted
the "Northern Counts" with a pomp, opulence and enthusiasm
of the common people that left the guests ecstatic.
ur journey
is going to follow in the footsteps of the Russian and Venetian
Courts, recreating the welcoming reception, performances and situations
that so delighted the "Northern Counts" and their retinue.
any of the
ambiances - as chronicled at that time - can not be used. Time
has taken it's toll and most of the palaces used then either fallen
into disrepair or have been designated for other uses. We have
exchanged the original palaces for other splendid palaces that
maintain intact the characteristics of charm, elegance and refinement
that contributed to the success of the visit. We would like to
say that it is highly probable and almost certain - that the visitors
were guests at the palaces we have chosen for the re-enactment.
The Tzarevich received, and accepted, many invitations by the
local nobility in Venetian Palaces.
e have set
ourselves the task of recreating the magic of days gone by and
the tangible magnificence that has brought together the splendor
of composers such as Antonio Vivaldi, Baldassarre Galuppi, Nicolo'
Porpora and Pasquale Anfossi; painters such as Domenico Tiepolo,
Jacopo Guarana, Francesco Guardi, Pietro Longhi, Angelika Kauffmann
and writers such as Carlo Goldoni and Giacomo Casanova.
ach participant
will receive for the duration of the re-enactment splendid 
atering will
be in the hands of world famous companies such as Dino Boscarato
and Harry's Bar and will be the best that Venetian cuisine
can provide.
Hollywood production so, for this reason, we have moved the date
forward a little so that it coincides with the Venetian Carnival
of 1997.
