These words belong to Louise Penny, a famous Canadian writer. She encloses the passion of the singing men—the music that fills the hearts of both performers and listeners. Penny’s thoughts on music are shared by many, regardless of their favorite musical genre.
Opera has existed for many hundreds of years. It originated in Italy, and to this day, opera is mostly performed in Italian. The Arena di Verona, or Arena Opera Festival, has been held yearly since 1936 in the summer. Each year, there is a new program for the event.
From June 17th to September 4th, the Arena di Verona Opera Festival will dazzle visitors. Next year, the festival will be celebrating its 100th anniversary, and in 2022, there will be a special program prepared for all who want to attend.
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Origins
Originally, the first operas produced for the festival were dedicated to Giuseppe Verdi, the legendary Italian composer. His opera Aida, which tells the story of love and its strikes in times of war, was the first opera staged in an open-air area. It took place on the 13th of August 1913.
Several foundations hosted the festival during different periods of time (e.g. the Casa Musicale Sonzogno, a famous opera publishing house). In 1936, the final and only entity was created to administer the event.
Repertoire
The program of the Arena di Verona Opera Festival will satisfy everyone’s wants.
Classics never get out of fashion, and the Arena di Verona Festival proves this statement. Moreover, it grants all the amateurs a rare opportunity to visit several iconic operas at once. Carmen, Turandot, La Traviata—and this is only the beginning of the list.
Another eagerly awaited part of the cultural program is an evening of ballet. You may ask about the way it has anything to do with opera; it has indeed. Ballet is another side of the coin: opera performers tell the story in a song, and ballet dancers show it in dance. The classical repertory for both genres is usually similar in different theaters. You can visit both opera and ballet and decide on which genre you prefer the most. Some people like to learn the story from the lyrics, while others choose to read it in the dance. Roberto Bolle & the Friends are top ballet stars, performing at the festival since 2012.
Carmina Burana, one of the greatest classical choirs in the world, is worth listening to. Carmina Burana, directed and composed by Carl Off, pays tribute to Ezio Bosso, who was a famous Italian composer. Two children’s choirs, A.d’A.Mus. and A L.I.V.E., are also to be a part of the show.
What else to see in Italy
If you have some time left before or after the Arena di Verona Opera Festival, use it as a chance to explore Italy and make new memories!
Verona is a beautiful city – you will be amazed by the sights surrounding you. This peaceful place is not only a treasure trove of history but also the home of music. Each year, a bunch of musical concerts is held in the area, and you can be lucky enough to visit some if you stay for some time.
Further details
Starting on the 17th of June and ending on the 4th of September, Arena di Verona has a perfect timetable: it gives you more than two months to attend, and you can pick the date that suits you the most.
