Musica a Palazzo is a cultural association of classical musicians who, since 2005, have produced opera performances staged in the Palazzo Barbarigo Minotto, a Venetian Gothic palace facing the Grand Canal. The piano nobile of the palace, with its backdrop of frescoes by Tiepolo and sculptures by Carpoforo Tencalla, is its main performing space.[1] The performing style follows the 19th century Italian practice of "Salotto Musicale" (Musical Salon). The operas are performed without a stage, with the audience becoming part of the scene.[2][3]
The program alternates famous operas, such as Verdi's La traviata and Rossini's The Barber of Seville,[4] with a selection of love duets taken from La boheme, Tosca, Don Giovanni, Rigoletto and others.
The musicians, a string trio and a piano, have performed in concert halls around the world, including Lincoln Center, Musikverein, La Scala and the Mozarteum. The ensemble staged La traviata at the Royal Pavilion during the 41st Brighton Festival[5] and won the Argus Angel Award for the best production of the festival.[6]
Reviews
- The Daily Telegraph - "We are captivated by the quality of the music, the splendour of the setting (Tiepolo frescoes), the power and passion of the singing..."[7]
- The Times - "Grand opera reconceived as tea-room tinkle..." [8]
References
- ^ Simonis, Damien, Italy, Lonely Planet, 2010 p. 378. ISBN 1741792290
- ^ Millirons, Eric, "More to explore than canals in Venice", Midlothian Exchange (Virginia, USA), July 1, 2008
- ^ Bing, Alison, Venice Encounter, Lonely Planet, 2009, p. 56. ISBN 1741049970
- ^ Shields, Daisy, "Lose yourself in the misty magic of Venice in winter", Hampstead & Highgate Express, 18 December, 2009
- ^ The Argus, Review: La Traviata, Royal Pavilion, Brighton, 6 May 2007.
- ^ The Argus, "The cast of La Traviata receive their Angel Award from The Argus's Adrian Varma", 9 May 2007
- ^ Bridge, Adrian (6 May 2006). "Take a Bow, Venezia". The Daily Telegraph.
- ^ Morrison, Richard (7 May 2007). "La traviata". The Times.