Opera in Italy Today: A Guide

Opera in Italy Today offers a panorama of Italy's dynamic operatic scene. Descriptive text and evocative illustrations recreate not only Italy's historic major houses - including La Scala, the San Carlo, and La Fenice - but also her most important regional theaters. Ten of Italy's most famous opera festivals, including the Puccini, the Bellini, the Donizetti, and the Rossini, are discussed in detail as well, and more than twenty others are listed with address, season, and ticket information. A brief history of each opera house and venue, along with cartelloni of recent seasons, lets the opera lover know who has conducted and performed there in the past. For the armchair fan, discographies and bibliographies are provided. The book also includes a chapter on the La Scala Theatrical Museum, a chapter on children's opera, and a concluding chapter, "Opportunities for Young Singers," rich in information on Italian workshops, programs, and contests for aspiring young vocalists. Finally, lucky visitors to Italy will find the glossary of Italian words and phrases most useful during their travels.