Princeton Friends of Opera presents “A Taste of Italy” at the home of Sam Greco in West Windsor on Saturday, September 10, from 4 to 8 p.m. The garden party features a program of Italian and French arias performed by Danielle Wright, soprano; Raymon Geis, tenor; Derrick Goff on piano, and Bob McMahan on accordion. The raindate is Sunday, September 11.
Greco is a patron of the arts. In the past year he has donated $45,000 to organizations including Opera New Jersey, Westminster CoOPERAtive program, Bravura Philharmonic Orchestra, West Windsor Symphony Orchestra, and Sinfonieta Nova (orchestra). “I’m at a point in my life to encourage all young children to learn about classical music and opera,” he says. “I hardly ever see anyone under the age of 50 at these events.”
Born in Italy, Greco was raised in New York City by his parents, both Russian immigrants. “We only listened to classical music,” he says. Greco and his late wife shared a love of art and music. A widower for 10 years, he enjoys living in the home decorated with murals she created through the years.
A graduate of MIT with a degree in chemical engineering in 1951, he worked for Exxon Mobil until 1995 and has 14 patents to his name. He moved to West Windsor in 1971 and was one of the first to move into his development in Princeton Ivy (behind High School South).
His four children, three daughters and one son, were raised in West Windsor. His son graduated from Princeton High School and is a chemical engineer. His daughters, who graduated from West Windsor-Plainsboro High School, are now a cellist, a social worker, and an unemployed teacher at home raising three young children.
A Taste of Italy, Princeton Friends of Opera, Private home in Princeton Junction. Saturday, September 10, 4 to 8 p.m. Register. $5. Raindate is Sunday, September 11. 609-610-6896. www.princetonfriendsofopera.org.
