In brief
The Club dei 27 in Parma, Italy, honors composer Giuseppe Verdi with exclusive memberships, unique rituals, and a deep passion for his work, attracting a diverse group of opera-loving men.
In the heart of Parma, Italy, a unique fraternity of men gathers to pay homage to one of the country’s most cherished composers, Giuseppe Verdi. This group, known as Club dei 27, has garnered a reputation for its exclusivity and its rituals surrounding membership. Instead of belting out the traditional “Happy Birthday,” its members start their celebrations with “Va Pensiero,” a revered anthem from Verdi’s opera "Nabucco." The choir is composed of men from various professions, including bankers, surgeons, and even vegetable vendors, yet they all share a profound admiration for Verdi. Each member of the club adopts the name of one of Verdi’s operas upon joining. However, appetites for membership remain high, as new entries are only welcomed when an existing member dies or steps down. This requirement guarantees that the club is not just open, but also highly coveted, with a significant waiting list.Enzo Petrolini, the club’s president, lightheartedly acknowledges this morbid admission policy, joking that they "touch wood" to keep their current members safe when new requests come in. Not to be confused with the infamous 27 Club that mourns musicians who passed at that age, Club dei 27 celebrates the longevity and passion of its members and the legacy of Verdi.As they raised glasses in salute to the maestro on October 10, the 211th anniversary of his birth, the men chanted “Viva Verdi,” a testament to their unyielding love for the composer and his timeless contributions to the opera world. The club remains a vibrant circle of devotion, preserving Verdi’s influence in both solemn remembrance and jubilant celebration.
