Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai, Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Mumbai, Mehli Mehta Music Foundation, Furtados, The Royal Opera House, Mumbai, and Avid Learning present Puccini Centenary – A Night of His Greatest Arias.
Prepare to be swept away by the timeless allure of Italian opera as we mark 100 years since Giacomo Puccini’s death and honor his lasting legacy. From the heart-wrenching romance of La Bohème to the gripping drama of Tosca and the poignant beauty of Madama Butterfly, this concert will showcase the maestro’s most beloved arias. A stellar cast of performers—Maria Pia Piscitelli (Soprano), Renzo Zulian (Tenor), Pier Luigi Dilengite (Baritone), and Linda Di Carlo (Pianist)—will bring Puccini’s timeless compositions to life.
Join us for an unforgettable celebration of his genius through a night of extraordinary music.
Maria Pia Piscitelli’s international career spans the most renowned theatres in the world. Among her recent engagements: Medea by Luigi Cherubini at Teatro alla Scala, and, in the same role, at Teatro Real in Madrid. Tosca by G. Puccini at Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, Andrea Chénier by U. Giordano at Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Un Ballo in Maschera by G. Verdi at Teatro Real in Madrid, La Forza del Destino by G. Verdi at the Zurich Opernhaus, and Manon Lescaut by G. Puccini at Teatro Liceu in Barcelona.
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After studying with the great Franco Corelli, tenor Renzo Zulian embarked on an international career that saw him as a leading figure in the world’s most prominent theatres, such as Teatro San Carlo in Naples, Opera di Roma, Teatro Massimo in Palermo, Teatro Regio in Parma, Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa, the Royal Opera of Stockholm, Opera of Philadelphia, New York City Opera, National Theatre in Tokyo, Atlanta Opera, National Theatre in Athens, and many others. He has collaborated with renowned directors and conductors, such as Franco Zeffirelli, Giancarlo Del Monaco, Liliana Cavani, and many more.
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Pier Luigi Dilengite has participated in major productions both in Italy and abroad, including, to name a few: the inauguration of Teatro dell’Opera di Roma with Falstaff by G. Verdi, directed, staged, and costumed by Franco Zeffirelli; La Bohème at Teatro San Carlo in Naples with Maria J. Siri; La Bohème with Luciano Pavarotti at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, La Traviata in Seoul with Mariella Devia, La Traviata at Teatro Politeama in Lecce in a production by Lindsay Kemp, La Cena delle Beffe directed by Liliana Cavani with sets by Oscar-winning Dante Ferretti at Teatro Comunale in Bologna, the docufilm Oratorio by Martin Scorsese on Lorenzo Da Ponte in New York, I Pagliacci in a production conceived and directed by Franco Zeffirelli at Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. He has worked with prominent figures in the performing arts, such as Arnoldo Foà, Paola Gassman, Angela Gheorghiu, Ugo Gregoretti, Paolo Poli, Martin Scorsese, Luciano Pavarotti, Renato Bruson, Liliana Cavani, José Carreras, Katia Ricciarelli, Lindsay Kemp, Gérard Depardieu, and Isabella Rossellini.
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Linda Di Carlo, a tenured professor at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome, has an international career both as a solo pianist and in chamber music. Her collaborations include performances alongside some of the greatest musicians of our time (Sergej Galaktionov, Alessandro Carbonare, Richard Stoltzman, Michaela Costea, Alessandro Quarta), and with prestigious chamber groups and orchestras (The Chamber Orchestra of Perugia, The Wind Ensemble of the Rome Opera, The Wind Ensemble of the Accademia di Santa Cecilia, Quartetto Fonè, and Quartetto Bernini). Founder of the Bottesini Quartet, she has performed with the group worldwide, achieving great success everywhere. She has a prolific recording career.
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The Evolution of Opera
Opera has a rich and fascinating history that began in Florence in 1597 with the premiere of Jacopo Peri's "Dafne," a retelling of the mythological story of Daphne and Apollo. This groundbreaking work marked opera's inception as a collaborative art form, bringing together poets, musicians, and philosophers to create a unique theatrical experience. The first public opera house was established in Venice in 1637 with the Teatro San Cassiano's opening, further popularising this genre.
Throughout its evolution, opera has witnessed several distinct periods. The Baroque era (1600-1750) saw Italian opera flourish across Europe, particularly in France and Germany. During this time, two prominent styles emerged: Opera seria, characterized by its serious themes and noble characters, and opera buffa, which introduced comedic elements and everyday situations.
As we moved into the Classical period and later into the Romantic period, opera evolved musically and thematically. After the 20th century, opera experienced a significant shift with new artists such as Giacomo Puccini leading the way allowing opera to remain relevant in contemporary culture while continuing to honor its rich historical roots.
Understanding Aria and its Types
An aria is a solo piece sung in an opera, showcasing the emotional depth and vocal prowess of the singer. This term, which originated in Italy during the 16th century, has become synonymous with large-scale vocal works that convey a character's feelings and thoughts. The concept of the aria gained significant prominence after 1602 when Giulio Caccini published "Le nuove musiche," which outlined new styles of singing and composition.
Arias are not merely decorative; they serve to express different moods and emotions within an opera. There are several types of arias, each characterized by its distinct style and emotional intent. The aria cantabile emphasizes lyrical beauty and melodic expressiveness, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its soothing tones. In contrast, the aria di bravura showcases technical virtuosity, often featuring rapid passages and intricate ornamentation that highlight a singer's skill.
Another important type is the aria parlante, or "speaking" aria, which blurs the line between song and speech. This style allows for greater dramatic expression as it mimics natural speech patterns while still being musical. Together, these various moods of arias contribute richly to the storytelling aspect of opera, making them essential components of this grand art form.
Puccini and his Famous Works
Giacomo Puccini stands out as one of the leading
Italian composers of his generation, with a musical career that began at an
early age when he joined the boys' choir at the Cattedrale di San Martino. His
mastery of the genre known as 'verismo,' which translates to realism in
Italian, allowed him to create operas that resonate deeply with audiences through
their emotional depth and relatable characters.
Puccini's first notable opera, "Le Vili," marked the beginning of his illustrious career, followed by significant works such as "Manon Lescaut" and "Edgar." However, it was his four-act opera "La bohème" that marked his distinctive position in the world of opera. Today, it is regarded as one of the world's most popular operas, captivating audiences with its poignant depiction of love and loss among struggling artists in Paris.
In addition to "La bohème," Puccini composed other famous works such as "Tosca" and "Madama Butterfly," both celebrated for their dramatic narratives and rich musical textures. Interestingly, he also ventured into comedy with "Gianni Schicchi," showcasing his versatility as a composer. These operas have left an indelible mark on the operatic landscape and continue to be performed worldwide.
