Galloway, N.J. — Stockton University will host “Exploring Hellenism: Magna Graecia – Where Greece & Italy Meet” at 4 p.m. on March 1, bringing together music, culture and regional cuisine to raise funds for student scholarships in Hellenic Studies.

The event will host multiple performances, beginning with a formal musical tribute by opera singer Luis Ledesma, who will perform the Italian National Anthem. Then, the Stockton Oratorio, directed by Professor of Music Beverly Vaughn, will present the Greek and American National Anthems, showcasing the program’s focus on shared cultural heritage.

The headliner of the event is the Boston-based band Zafarán. The group’s performance will highlight regional music from southern Italy, weaving together chants, folk melodies and Mediterranean influences. The ensemble features award-winning Italian vocalist Carmen Marsico and incorporates traditions spanning Southern Italian, Greek, Sephardic and Romani music. Formed in 2020 through a collaboration among musicians from Italy, Sweden and the United States, the group is based in Boston and Rome and is recognized for blending historic forms with original compositions.

In addition to the concert, attendees will hear a brief talk from Katherine Panagakos, professor of Latin and Greek, and Franca Riccardi, retired director of the American Italian Society of Philadelphia. Their presentation will examine the history of Magna Graecia — Greek colonies of southern Italy — and the lasting cultural and linguistic connections between Greece and Italy.

Regional foods and wines will be offered as part of the $50 entry fee for the general public and $20 fee for students. Net proceeds will support scholarships through Friends of Hellenic Studies, the fundraising arm of the Dean C. and Zoë S. Pappas Interdisciplinary Center for Hellenic Studies. The center promotes interdisciplinary study of Greek language, history, archaeology, philosophy and culture, and supports student travel and academic programming in Greece, Cyprus and Italy.

For more information, email Tula Chistopoulos or call 609-226-5827.

-- Story by Ella Johnson