by InTrieste
On December 22, Giacomo Puccini’s rarely performed Messa di Gloria will bring the 2024 symphonic season of the Giuseppe Verdi Theatre to a powerful close. With its lush orchestration and echoes of Puccini’s later operatic brilliance, the piece offers audiences a unique glimpse into the formative years of one of Italy’s greatest composers.
The final concert of the season will feature an impressive lineup of talent. Spanish conductor Jordi Bernàcer, renowned for his interpretations of Italian opera, will lead the combined forces of the Verdi Theatre’s Orchestra and Chorus, the FVG Orchestra, and the Chorus of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Joining them on stage are tenor Riccardo Massi, fresh from London’s Royal Opera House, and Austrian baritone Markus Werba, an international star since his breakout debut in Milan.
A Rediscovered Gem
Written when Puccini was just 21, the Messa di Gloria reflects the composer’s deep familial ties to sacred music. For five generations, the Puccini family served as cathedral organists and chapel masters in Lucca. Yet this youthful work, composed as a capstone to his studies, also hints at the dramatic flair that would later define his operas.
Long forgotten, the piece was rediscovered in New York in 1952. Since then, it has been increasingly appreciated for its blend of reverence and theatricality. “This is Puccini on the brink of transformation,” said Maestro Bernàcer. “You can hear him experimenting, merging sacred tradition with the operatic ambition that would soon make him a global icon.”
The Messa di Gloria also marks a turning point in Puccini’s life. Shortly after its composition, he attended a performance of Verdi’s Aida in Pisa, an experience that inspired him to pursue a career in opera. The influence of Verdi is evident in the Messa’s grandeur, making it a fascinating piece for audiences familiar with Puccini’s later works.
A Season of Bold Choices
The Giuseppe Verdi Theatre’s 2024 symphonic season has been defined by its daring programming and collaborations. Under the leadership of Superintendent Giuliano Polo, the theater has embraced less familiar repertoire alongside cornerstone works, bringing a fresh perspective to audiences in Trieste and beyond.
“The response from our audience has been extraordinary,” Polo said in a statement. “Their enthusiasm encourages us to continue pushing boundaries, both artistically and culturally.”
Over the course of the season, the theater explored Germanic and contemporary musical traditions, hosted acclaimed international soloists, and delivered memorable performances that solidified its reputation as a cultural hub in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region.
Looking to the Future
The December 22 concert is not the end of the year’s celebrations. The Verdi Theatre’s annual New Year’s concert, a beloved tradition, promises to cap 2024 with festive grandeur. Meanwhile, the theater’s artisans are already at work on major productions planned for 2025, which will continue to honor the institution’s historic roots while charting new artistic territory.
As Trieste gathers to celebrate the close of the symphonic season, Puccini’s Messa di Gloria serves as both a look back at the composer’s beginnings and a celebration of his enduring legacy—a fitting finale for a year of triumphs at the Verdi Theatre.
