I used to be lucky to catch a number of attention-grabbing issues in 2025, together with Jessica Pratt’s one-off Norma in Milan, one other fantastic live performance efficiency by the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra (final 12 months was Don Carlo, this 12 months is P. 2 of Les Troyens!), and Asmik Grigorian’s riveting Desdemona in Madrid. Nonetheless, essentially the most unforgettable occasion of my operagoing 12 months was a efficiency of Antonio Smareglia‘s rare-as-can-be Pittori fiamminghi within the stunningly stunning hill city of Castell’Arquato.
A part of the annual Competition Illica honoring town’s native son Luigi Illica, the efficiency provided a treasured alternative to listen to a uncommon rating by an excellent rarer composer in a stunning medieval piazza. Whereas I most likely wouldn’t rush to listen to this anguished, Wagnerian work once more, any alternative to listen to a distinct dimension of the giovane scuola past the same old choices is a worthy one. And in the event you determine to make the trek to Castell’Arquato your self, I can advocate you an amazing AirBnB.
Harry Rose
Harry Rose, based mostly in Windfall, Rhode Island, is at present pursuing a PhD in Italian Research at Brown College. Beginning out running a blog independently as Opera Teen in 2013, he holds the auspicious distinction of being the youngest author to ever contribute to parterre field (at age 14) and has had the pleasure and problem of writing for the rigorously discerning cher public since 2012. More and more area of interest hobbies and pursuits embrace opera, ballet, theatrical goings-on of the fin-de-siècle, and gatekeeping Camp.
