“Magia” (“Magic”)

Gino Mescoli and Andrea Lo Vecchio, "Magia" ("Magic"), (arr. Craig Terry)
Maria Novella Malfatti, soprano; Craig Terry, piano

"You ask me why I'm with you," the singer asks in "Magia," and then answers her own question: "Magic—call it magic. You have it in your eyes." A distinguished duo, composer-conductor-arranger-recording producer Gino Mescoli (b. 1930) and the composer-conductor Andrea Lo Vecchio (b. 1942), wrote the song for Mina, the most celebrated Italian pop music icon of the 1960s and '70s. The song became a huge hit for her. Mina gained fame for her colorful and wide-ranging voice, her command of style (from R&B to bossa nova to disco), and the boldness of her personality and lifestyle on- and offstage. An artist whose record sales have topped 150 million, she has recorded more than 75 albums, releasing an album every year from 1958 to 2003.

Meet the artists

*** Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

Provide the stars of tomorrow with your support today

Provide the stars of tomorrow with your support today

The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center is Lyric's preeminent artist-development program that nurtures the talents of some of the most promising operatic singers and pianists of each generation.

Donor generosity ensures continued unparalleled training, performance experience, and professional readiness of Ensemble members. By donating to the Ryan Opera Center you help provide:

  • Voice instruction

  • Career development

  • Acting and movement training

  • Artistic coaching

  • Guest artist master classes

Support emerging artists

About the Ryan Opera Center

About the Ryan Opera Center

The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center is Lyric's preeminent artist-development program that nurtures the talents of some of the most promising operatic singers and pianists of each generation. The program's Ensemble members earn their coveted spot by successfully auditioning among more than 400 artists worldwide. Its alumni are among the dominant names in opera today. Donor generosity ensures continued unparalleled training, performance experience, and professional readiness of Ensemble members. This highly competitive program, established in 1974, is honored to enjoy the support of acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming as Advisor, along with full-time staff Director Dan Novak, Music Director Craig Terry, and Director of Vocal Studies Julia Faulkner.

Learn more about the Ryan Opera Center

Photos: Kyle Flubacker