Brescia – Celebrating Opera

Full Text in GERMAN: HERE

Aria, Capitolium, Brescia

Early in the morning vibes of excitement animate the streets, squares and courtyards: Brescia prepares itself to celebrate: the Festa dell Opera is about to start. Usually rather moderate the city appears in a very different light today. The festival about to start is not just for elitist circles and does not take place behind closed doors – everyone is welcome, the events are free of charge: an opera for the people.

Architecture Detail, Brescia

The Festa dell Opera lives up to its name: opera events take place at different locations all over Brescia throughout the day. Enchanting arias are presented on balconies, the city’s squares and even in the vineyard. Newcomers are part of the party as well as well-known artists.

The foyer of the Teatro Grande hosts an abridged version of the opera “La Traviata” by Guiseppe Verdi. The place is crowded to the last spot – opera fans do not want to miss out on this fantastic opportunity.

Aria, Festa dell Opera, Brescia

Music fills the air and the audience is attuned quickly – emotions catch on right from the very beginning. Goosebumps prickle on the skin – tears are wiped from the corner of the eye. Time flies and while the last chord dies away, thunderous applause rewards the artists.

Throughout the city, visitors can hop from one “opera hot spot” to the next – to enjoy well-known pieces of beautiful music: choirs, groups, instrumental and vocal soloists give their best. Even in the largest urban vineyard in Europe one can listen to the sounds of the Prisoners’ Chorus of the opera Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi.

Sparkling Wine, Festa dell Opera Special Edition

The city proudly advertises this event – banners inform about it from every corner. The image of Maria Callas decorates all marketing items. The grand opera diva of the last century resided with her husband in Sirmione from 1950 – 1959. The town is part of the province of Brescia.

Berlucchi created a special edition of sparkling wine for this major event. The noble drop comes from the Franciacorta, a wine growing area close to Brescia. The bottle is adorned with the image of famous Callas as well.

Aria on Balcony, Brescia

While walking the streets of Brescia on this extraordinary day one can meet artists on the road everywhere and over and over again. All of a sudden several balcony doors open opposite the Teatro. Four soloists step outside and please the waiting onlookers with their arias.

An eventful day draws to a close – but the music spectacle is not over yet. The audience settles makes good use of ample opportunity for good Italian food and settles in the various restaurants of the city center – just to be pampered by even more Serenades presented amidst the dining crowd.

Aria, Capitolium, Brescia

The same procedure as every year: the final of the day is performed at the Capitolium at the Roman Forum. Once again, the square is crowded and the audience listens attentively to the heavenly acoustics. For one last time the artists perform to their best. Frenetic applause ends the day. The evenings in September cool down considerably and as a result the square empties quickly. Brescia finally can rest.

Full Text in GERMAN: HERE