by InTrieste
The renowned Teatro G. Verdi in Trieste will open its highly anticipated 2024 symphonic season this Friday, September 27, with a performance promising a blend of virtuosic artistry and rich European heritage. Under the direction of Austrian conductor Hans Graf, and featuring acclaimed Russian violinist Sergej Krylov, the season’s first concert will highlight works that blend classical refinement with folk traditions.
The program, curated with a distinctive touch, opens with Édouard Lalo’s Symphonie espagnole, a five-movement violin concerto composed in the 19th century for violin virtuoso Pablo de Sarasate. It will be followed by a grand performance of Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition—presented in Maurice Ravel’s celebrated orchestral transcription. Ravel’s arrangement, completed in 1922, brings a fresh and dynamic perspective to Mussorgsky’s original piano suite, expanding its orchestration with a vivid use of percussion.
“An opening like no other,” says Giuliano Polo, superintendent of the Giuseppe Verdi Opera House Foundation, “this program will showcase not only the brilliance of our soloists but also the longstanding excellence of the Verdi Orchestra. Trieste’s history as a European musical capital is deeply reflected in our programming this season.”
The celebrated soloist Krylov, known for his masterful technique and emotional depth, returns to Trieste following a series of international engagements. The violinist is set to open the season at La Scala in Milan later this year, making his Trieste appearance a notable prelude. His performance of Lalo’s Symphonie espagnole, a piece contemporaneous with Bizet’s Carmen, will anchor the concert’s first half. Krylov’s passionate interpretation of Lalo’s Spanish-tinged concerto promises to be a highlight.
A historic theater on the Adriatic coast, the Teatro Verdi has undergone some important renovations this year, including the reintroduction of four rows of seating right at the front of the stage—bringing the audience closer than ever to the performers. This spatial intimacy, typically reserved for chamber music venues, will offer concertgoers an immersive listening experience. The choice to restore these front rows, a feature of the theater’s earlier designs, reflects an effort to enhance the audience’s engagement with the performances.
“Our goal is to make the experience more personal, more immediate,” Polo explained. “We want our audience to feel a deeper connection to the music and the musicians, something that can be transformative, especially for those who are new to symphonic music.”
The concert on September 27 is expected to draw a diverse crowd of classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Teatro Verdi’s symphonic season, which runs until December 22, features a robust lineup of concerts that aim to balance the classical repertoire with bold programming choices. Ticket sales have already seen an uptick, thanks to an extensive campaign that includes special promotions for young people under the age of 34.
In addition to the exciting lineup, the theater is offering discounts for the newly reintroduced front-row seats. Tickets for these rows will be available at a 10% discount (€31.50 instead of the regular €35). Subscriptions for the season start at €59, and individual concert tickets can be purchased for as little as €11, making high-quality classical music more accessible to a broad audience.
“We are striving to bring in a new generation of concertgoers,” said Polo. “Music is a universal language, and we want it to resonate with everyone who comes through our doors.”
With Hans Graf on the podium—a seasoned conductor who has worked with some of the world’s most respected orchestras—and Krylov’s virtuosity on display, this Friday’s concert is set to mark an exciting new chapter for one of Italy’s most cherished opera houses. As Trieste prepares to welcome both local and international audiences, the season’s opening promises to set the tone for an unforgettable musical journey.
For ticketing information and a full schedule of performances, visit www.teatroverdi-trieste.com or contact the box office directly at info@teatroverdi-trieste.com.
