by In Trieste
Trieste’s legendary Teatro Verdi reopened to sustained applause after months of closure on Saturday, 12 June, with a concert dedicated to Covid-19 victims and health workers.
The grand reopening saw around 500 spectators – socially-distanced and wearing masks – treated to Sabat Mater by Gioachino Rossini, conducted by musical director Valerio Galli.
The Stabat Mater is scored for four vocal soloists – soprano, Anastasia Bartoli, mezzosoprano Cecilia Molinari, tenore Matteo Macchioni, basso Gabriele Sagona, directed by choir master Francesca Tosi.
Spectators were seated as the masked orchestra performed, concluding the concert with a stirring encore of Amen, in sempiterna saecula.
Among those in attendance were Trieste’s mayor Roberto Dipiazza.
“It is a symbol of restart not only for Verdi, but for Italy as a whole,” said Verdi’s artistic director Antonio Tasca.
Mayor Dipiazza underlined that last night’s event was symbolic for the country as well as being of personal importance for our city “which is getting back on its feet this summer.”
The reopening of Trieste’s Verdi Opera Theater comes as Italy eases its covid-19 restrictions and reopens to international tourists this summer.
The Sabat Mater crowned the new 2021-2022 season.
