EUNIC DC Presents: Music & Chocolate Series
The European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) Washington, DC Cluster presents the project Music and Chocolate: Tastes & Sounds of Europe from Nov. 20-Dec. 12, 2024. Like the many nuances of chocolate, music is bold, sweet, diverse, and surprising. Utilizing the sense of taste and sound, we bring an experience for the senses that highlights the rich, diverse and beautiful layers of European music. From classical to jazz and beyond, we pair inspiring melodies and happenings with a flair of chocolate.
Participating Countries: Austria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Switzerland.
Participating Organizations: Alliance Française of Washington DC, Austrian Cultural Forum, Italian Cultural Institute, Embassy of the Czech Republic, Embassy of Poland, Embassy of Portugal, Embassy of Slovenia, Embassy of Spain, Embassy of Switzerland, and the Goethe-Institut Washington
ABOUT EUNIC
EUNIC – European Union National Institutes for Culture – is the European Union's network of organizations engaging in cultural relations. EUNIC advocates a prominent role of culture in international relations and is a strategic partner of the EU, actively involved in the further definition of European cultural policy. EUNIC is a platform for knowledge sharing and for capacity building amongst its members and partners.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Nov. 20, from 10 AM to 1 PM: Italy| Masterclass “Music & Chocolate” w/ Chef Rita Monastero
Nov. 20, at 6 PM: Italy | Conversation: "Music & Chocolate - Tastes & Sounds of Europe," w/ Chef Rita Monastero and Prof. Carolyn Ross
Nov. 21, at 7 PM: Austria | Chaos String Quartet
Dec. 2, at 6 PM: Germany | Ellington Ensemble / Duke Ellington and Chocolate Tasting
Dec. 3, at 6 PM: France | Film - Chocolat and Chocolate Tasting
Dec. 5, from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM: Switzerland | Skate with Switzerland
Dec. 10, at 6 PM: Portugal | Portuguese & Classical Guitar Concert, Chocolate & Wine Reception
Dec. 12, at 6 PM: Czech Republic, Spain, Slovenia | Jazz & Chocolate – Levíček & Carrascosa
Chef Rita Monastero
November 20 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Italy | Masterclass “Music & Chocolate” with Chef Rita Monastero
Join Chef Rita Monastero for a unique masterclass exploring the versatility of chocolate in savory and sweet dishes. Enjoy a hands-on demonstration featuring recipes like Gnocchi di Patate al Cacao (Potato-Cocoa Dumplings), Caponata di Melanzane e Pollo con Cioccolato (Eggplant & Chicken Stew with Dark Chocolate), and Crema di Cioccolato e Mascarpone (Chocolate and Mascarpone Mousse).
Venue: Cookology, 4238 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203
Registration Required: RSVP here (Sold Out!)
Music and Chocolate Conference
November 20 | 6:00 PM
Italy | Conversation: “Music and Chocolate: Tastes and Sounds of Europe” with Chef Rita Monastero and Prof. Carolyn Ross
Explore the fascinating connection between chocolate and music. This conversation will highlight the unique roles these two cultural staples play in our lives, from their deep sensory impact to their rich histories across Europe.
Venue: Italian Cultural Institute, 3000 Whitehaven St. NW, Washington, DC 20008
RSVP Required: RSVP here (Sold Out!)
Chaos String Quartet
November 21 | 7:00 PM
Austria | Chaos String Quartet
Enjoy an evening of music with the Chaos String Quartet, part of the New Austrian Sound of Music (NASOM) series. The quartet will perform works by W.A. Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and the premiere of Une étoile dansante, a composition by Diego Conti, specially dedicated to the ensemble. The performance will be paired with Austrian chocolates and wines.
Venue: Embassy of Austria, 3524 International Ct. NW, Washington, DC 20008
RSVP Required: RSVP here (Sold Out!)
Ellington Ensemble
December 2 | 6:00 PM
Germany | Ellington Ensemble and Chocolate Tasting
Delight in the smooth sounds of the Ellington Ensemble, performing a selection of jazz pieces, followed by a tasting of Ritter Sport chocolate, a renowned German treat.
Venue: Goethe-Institut DC, 1377 R St. NW, Washington, DC 20009
RSVP Required: [Details Coming Soon]
Chocolate Presentation and Chocolat
December 3 | 6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
France | Chocolate Presentation and Film: Chocolat (2000)
Savor a chocolate presentation by The Chocolate House DC before settling in for a screening of Chocolat, the romantic drama directed by Lasse Hallström, based on the 1999 novel of the same name by English author Joanne Harris. Enjoy an indulgent chocolate tasting featuring the delicious offerings from The Chocolate House, while watching the classic film starring Juliette Binoche.
Venue: Alliance Française of Washington DC, 2142 Wyoming Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008
RSVP Required: RSVP here (Sold Out!)
Skate with Switzerland
December 5 | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Switzerland | Skate with Switzerland
Join the Swiss Embassy for an evening of holiday cheer at the Washington Harbor. Glide across the ice while enjoying festive music, Swiss chocolate, and a celebration of Switzerland’s famed chocolate-making tradition.
Venue: Washington Harbor Ice Rink, 3050 K St. NW, Washington, DC 20007
RSVP Required: RSVP here
Music and Chocolate - Portugal
December 10 | 6:00PM – 8:00PM
Portugal | Portuguese and Classical Guitar Concert, Chocolate and Wine Reception
Enjoy a small dessert reception during the evening (6:00PM – 8:00PM) with chocolate and Port wine while listening to a Portuguese and classical guitar concert played by Estevão Santos and Guillermo Christy. There are only 40 seats available (first come first serve), make sure you register and reserve your spot!!
Venue: Embassy of Portugal, 2012 Massachusetts Ave., NW 20036 Washington, DC.
RSVP Required: to eventos.washington@mne.pt
Jiří Levíček and Victor Carrascosa
December 12 | 6:00 pm (Chocolate Tasting), 6:30 PM (Concert)
Czech Republic, Spain, Slovenia | Jazz & Chocolate – Levíček & Carrascosa
Czech pianist Jiří Levíček and Spanish trumpeter Víctor Carrascosa join forces for a special jazz performance, featuring jazz compositions by Ellington, Monk, Ježek, and more. Enjoy a chocolate tasting with chocolates from Slovenia (Leone), the Czech Republic (Steiner & Kovarik), and Spain (Jolonch), adding a delicious touch to the evening’s musical journey.
Venue: Embassy of the Czech Republic, 3900 Spring of Freedom St., NW, Washington, DC 20008
RSVP Required: RSVP opens December 2 - https://musicandchocolate.eventbrite.com
With each event offering a unique sensory experience, Music & Chocolate is sure to be a highlight of the holiday season, celebrating both the rich musical and culinary traditions of Europe.