conversazione

A formal gathering where something related to the arts or academia is discussed.

[H]e was frequently present at the breakfast-table and conversazioni of Sir Joseph Banks, and instructed several persons of eminence in the classics.

"I'm too detached to talk scandal, and yet at scientific conversaziones I have heard something of Challenger, for he is one of those men whom nobody can ignore."

A community social gathering.

Another form of young Victoria entertainment was the church conversazione. The Bishop opened, shut and blessed the affair but the congregation did the talking. Conversaziones were held in the church schoolroom which the ladies cut into little cubicles with benches—three sitting sides and one open. The benches were just close enough for one lady's lips to reach across confidentially to the opposite lady's ear. There was music for people who were not chatty and when everything had been done and encored tea was served.