The programme begins with the Overture to Bellini’s opera Norma. Bellini was the master of the ‘bel canto’ (beautiful singing) style, and Norma is generally considered his finest opera.
Then comes the Prelude to Verdi’s La Traviata. Verdi was Bellini’s successor and was destined to become Italy’s greatest opera composer. La Traviata is about the tragic love affair between the soprano, Violetta, and the tenor, Alfredo. Two duets from the opera follow.
After a famous intermezzo from Mascagni’s one-act opera Cavalleria Rusticana, we will hear three items from Verdi’s Nabucco (‘Nebuchadnezzar’). This opera is about the Bible story of the ancient Hebrews in exile.
The second part of the concert will feature music from famous Italian films such as “Life is Beautiful”, “The Mission”, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”, and “Cinema Paradiso”. The latter considered by many to be one of the greatest films ever made.
There will also be traditional Italian songs such as Santa Lucia, La Danza and O sole mio.
Two of the last items are arrangements by Roberto Fiore.
VNA/VNP
