(Photo: Clarissa Lapolla) As the last notes of Ariodante’s aria “Dopo notte atra e funestra” died away, the audience sounded its approval with enthusiastic applause and loud cheering; some people were even on their feet. They were joined by the orchestra and its conductor, Federico Maria Sardelli, who was also applauding. And it showed no signs of abating, at least {…}
The Festival della Valle d’Itria has broken records for its 50th anniversary. The company announced that it had a total of 12,000 audience members which was a 20 percent increase and saw many sold out concerts and operas. The festival noted from July 14 through August 6 that among the audience it saw an increase in audience members under 30 and {…}
The Festival della Valle d’Itria has named Sebastian Schwarz as its new Artistic Director. The board of directors of the Fondazione Paolo Grassi, headed by Franco Punzi, voted unanimously for Schwarz to take over and succeed Alberto Triola, who will leave after 12 years as Artistic Director. In a statement, Punzi said, “By appointing Sebastian Schwarz, we inaugurate a new {…}
The Festival Valle d’Itria in Martina Franca, Italy has announced its 47 edition with the theme “Fiat lux.” The festival which will be held between July 17 and August 5 will feature international stars from around the world. Operas Haydn’s “The Creation” will be conducted by Fabio Luisi and will feature Vassily Solodkyy, Alessio Arduini, Jan Antem, and Sabrina Sanza. Fabio {…}
With festival season in full swing in Europe and experimentation a key to this year’s programs, the Festival Valle di Itria in Martina Franca is scheduled to open a new production of the Italian version of Richard Strauss’ “Ariadne auf Naxos.” The production will be headed by an all-star cast that includes the world-renown coloratura soprano, Jessica Pratt. Pratt will {…}
The Festival Valle d’itria Martina Franca has announced its revised 2020 edition. Opera The first work of the season will be “Il borghese gentiluomo” with music by Richard Strauss. The work based on a comedy by Moliere will star Stefano Massini and Davide Gasparro sharing the title role alongside Vittorio Prato, Ana Victoria Pitts, Barbara Massaro, Manuel Amati, Nico Franchini, {…}
The Festival Valle d’Itra in Martina Franca has announced a cast change for its premiere of Antonio Manfroce’s “Ecuba.” The festival announced that due to illness Fabio Luisi will not be able to conduct the performance. As a result, Sesto Quatrini will conduct the two performances scheduled for July 30 and August 4, 2019. Quatrini is a well-established conductor who has {…}