LIGHTING UP VERDI SQUARE

the statue of giuseppe verdi-the namesake of verdi square on broadway and west 72nd street-will be illuminated at night for the first time. the spotlight on verdi is part of the verdi square festival of the arts that kicks off this sunday, sept. 12, at 7 p.m.

the festival, in its fifth year, will feature art and music on each sunday this september. students from the manhattan school of music will perform opera arias for the first event.

parmacotto, the parent company of restaurant salumeria rosi parmacotto located across the street form verdi square, donated the floodlights that will brighten the statue. go to www.verdisquarefestival.com for more information on future events this september.