Bellini and Opera

The Catania Chamber Orchestra specialises in the revival of the Italian opera tradition. Formed by orchestral professors who graduated from the most prestigious Sicilian conservatories and by the most promising young people from Catania who have distinguished themselves in the main national and international opera and symphonic prizes, the Catania Chamber Orchestra proposes an interesting cycle of opera concerts for small orchestral ensemble and voices in this 2023 Musical Season.
The concerts take their inspiration from the works of Catania's leading composer, Vincenzo Bellini, and then transport the audience into the context of the opera production of the late 19th and early 20th century in which the Catania composer operated. From Mascagni to Verdi, from Rossini to Puccini via Donizetti, Bizet, etc., in an unforgettable journey through opera.
The concerts will be hosted in the prestigious and monumental Church of La Badia of Sant'Agata, erected next to the Cathedral where Maestro Bellini rests. The Church of La Badia of  Sant'Agata, in addition to its perfectly preserved precious interiors, is distinguished by a panoramic terrace 

Program and cast

Program

Act I

V. Bellini — "Norma" Overture
V. Bellini — Ma rendi pur contento

G. Rossini — "The Barber of Seville" Una voce poco fa

G. Verdi — "Nabucco" Va, pensiero
J. Offenbach — "The Tales of Hoffmann" Barcarolle
V. Bellini — "Norma" Casta Diva
G. Rossini — "The Barber of Seville" Se il mio nome
G. Verdi — "La Traviata" Libiamo ne' lieti calici

Act II

G. Bizet — "Carmen" Entr’acte
R. Leoncavallo — "Romance" Mattinata
V. Bellini — Vaga luna che inargenti
G. Donizetti — "The Elixir of Love" Una furtiva lagrima
P. Mascagni — "Cavalleria Rusticana" Intermezzo
G. Puccini — "La Bohème" Musetta's Waltz
V. Bellini — "La Sonnambula" Prendi, l’anel ti dono

Catania Chamber Orchestra