Vincent La Selva, the American founder-director of the Grand Opera Company in New York City, is now a "Cavaliere" in the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, in recognition of his services to Italian opera.

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The honor, bestowed by Italian President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro, is Italy's highest for a civilian. It was conferred on La Selva in New York by Italian Consul-General Franco Mistretta.La Selva, a native of Cleveland and graduate of the Juilliard School, founded the opera company in 1973.

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