Italian Arias and Neapolitan Songs

Opera Arias, Art Songs and Neapolitan Songs

Since the end of 18th century along with the great tradition of Italian Opera and Belcanto a huge treasure of small pieces flourished, hidden gems that have gained immortal fame in the heart and imagination of people. Think to Gioachino Rossini "Tarantella" or "Mattinata" by Ruggero Leoncavallo (the "Pagliacci" composer).

In 18th and 19th century Naples was the arrival point of the "Grand Tour" and Neapolitan songs belong to the history of music thanks to Franz Liszt's memories, to Gioacchino Rossini's "Tarantella", to the heritage of the great austrian piano virtuoso Sigismund Thalberg who, as Gaetano Donizetti, who was born in northern Italy, settled in Naples (Posillipo).

"Naples is Europe's musical capital, that means of the whole world." (Charles de Brosses, Lettres familières écrites d’Italie en 1739 et 1740).

Sir Francesco Paolo Tosti in the second part of 19th century was the most sought after singing teacher. He settled in England and his melodies and songs perfectly represent the "fin du siecle" mood. Her majesty the King Edward VII appointed him baronet and he enjoyed close friendship with personalities like the tenor Enrico Caruso and the poet Gabriele D'Annunzio.

In the dawn of the 20th century, when the "Great War" was knocking on Europe's door to change the world as it was then known, the great popular neapolitan songs were composed. Just think of "O sole mio", "Torna a Surriento" or "Funiculì funiculà": songs which were Enrico Caruso favourite encores and that enjoyed Mario Lanza's radio and movie recordings and the worldwide broadcasting of Luciano Pavarotti concerts.

A concert for everyone

The Italian Arias and Neapolitan Songs concert is ideal for people who want to approach Italian classical Opera Arias and Art Songs from Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, Verdi, etc. up to Neapolitan songs with a professional musical approach.

Internationally-acclaimed musicians (tenor, soprano and pianist) will guide your experience of the music with commentary and anecdotes in English.

Immediately after the impressive concert, you will have the opportunity to meet the artists drinking Prosecco in the pleasant setting of a free Aperitivo, a small reception to round off your evening in a quintessentially Italian way. The free Aperitivo after the concert is a characteristic of Rome Opera Concerts to increase the sense of a "private event" through the opportunity to meet the artists and to know what they are trying to do with their performances. The Rome Opera Concerts free Aperitivo is very simple: some "mini pizzas" with tomato sauce and some good sparkling wine (Spumante or Prosecco). The secret ingredient is friendship: to put sincere enthusiasm in making music and meeting the audience.