by InTrieste
Nestled in the verdant landscapes of Collio-Brda, the seventeenth edition of the Piccolo Opera Festival commenced with fervor on Friday, coinciding with the international Festa della Musica and the summer solstice. This year’s festival promises a multisensory journey that celebrates the region’s natural splendor, historical charm, and cultural richness, intertwining music, tourism, and gastronomy.
The inaugural day began at the break of dawn in the picturesque Castle of Spessa, Capriva del Friuli. At 8:30 a.m., early risers were treated to a “Musical Breakfast” featuring the captivating mezzo-soprano Lilija Kolosova accompanied by pianist Francesco Zarpellon. The enchanting morning set the tone for the day’s festivities, which continued into the evening.
At 8:30 p.m., the ambiance shifted to the Čarga Winery in Dobrovo, Slovenia, where baritone Jure Počkaj took center stage. Accompanied by Snježana Pleše – Žagar on piano, Jon An Herlič on trumpet, and Kristijan Arh on accordion, Počkaj delivered a recital that paid homage to the musical traditions of the Primorska region. The repertoire elegantly blended local folk tunes with timeless opera classics, reflecting the festival’s ethos of cultural fusion.
This year introduces “Aspettando il Re – Weekend Borbone,” a novel section of the festival created in partnership with GO! 2025, the organization behind Nova Gorica-Gorizia’s upcoming designation as the European Capital of Culture. The weekend’s events center around the legacy of King Charles X of Bourbon and the music of Gioachino Rossini, culminating in the grand 2025 production of Il viaggio a Reims.
On Saturday, June 22, at 9:00 p.m., Palazzo Coronini in Gorizia will host Soirée royale. This concert, set in the historical palace where Charles X spent his final days in exile, features a program that intersperses iconic French opera arias with selections from Rossini’s “Péchés de Vieillesse” (Sins of Old Age).
Sunday, June 23, brings a culinary twist with Rossini Brunch. For voices, chef, and piano at noon in Palazzo Strassoldo, Gorizia. Chef Chiara Canzoneri will craft a menu inspired by traditional French cuisine, harmonizing with the musical performances to create a feast for the senses. The weekend’s finale, La Petite Messe Solennelle, will be held at 8:30 p.m. at the Convent of Castagnavizza in Nova Gorica. This sacred masterpiece by Rossini will be presented in its original form, featuring piano and harmonium, alongside the GO! Borderless Choir under the direction of Maestro Elia Macrì. The convent, the final resting place of Charles X and other Bourbon family members, provides a poignant backdrop for this solemn performance.
Soloists Martina Russomanno (soprano), Paola Leguizamón (mezzo-soprano), Paolo Nevi (tenor), and Giuseppa Toia (bass-baritone) – alumni of the Rossini Opera Festival Academy in Pesaro – will grace these events, underscoring the collaborative spirit between the Piccolo Opera Festival and the renowned academy.
For those eager to immerse themselves in this unique cultural celebration, the complete program and ticket information can be found at www.piccolofestival.org.
