The America-Italy Society of Philadelphia sponsors a free concert series by the critically acclaimed Amerita Chamber Players, Philadelphia’s unique musical ensemble, specializing in the work of Italian composers of the 17th and 18th centuries.
The concerts are held three times a year at the Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel at 18th and Spruce St.
Performances include music carefully researched by the music directors, and while the names of Vivaldi, Corelli, Scarlatti, Locatelli, and other Italian composers of the 17th and 18th centuries are now well known everywhere, the Amerita Chamber Players often introduce audiences to less familiar works of great artistic merit.

History of the Amerita Chamber Players 

The group presented its first concert in 1956 at The Philadelphia Museum of Art under the auspices of the America-Italy Society, and their annual concerts of Italian Baroque music remain the Society’s most popular event.
The Amerita Chamber Players was founded by Philadelphia Orchestra violinist, Frank Costanzo and then Consul General of Italy in Philadelphia, Dr. Giovanni Luciolli. By merging the words “America” and “Italy”, the name “Amerita” was born to represent the combination of the two different cultures. 
What began as a small string orchestra is today, under the direction of violinist Nancy Bean, an ensemble consisting of a string quintet and harpsichord with the addition of woodwinds or brass, vocal soloists, and other instrumentalists.