Bellini in Catania
The series about historical places of opera art & culture. Get to know exciting excursion and travel ideas for opera lovers. This time: Bellini in Catania.
All Destinations on google maps with links to detailed Blogposts:
Bellini in Catania
Bellini, born in 1801, spent his first 18 years in Catania. Growing up in a musical family with 6 siblings, he received his first lessons from his grandfather and made rapid progress, starting to play the piano in the salons of Catania at the age of 12. At the age of 19 he left Catania for good for Naples, where he studied at the Conservatory. In 1832 his hometown received him triumphantly. In 1835 he died surprisingly early in Paris. 1876 his mortal remains were solemnly transferred from Paris to Catania.
Destination Teatro Bellini
In 1832, the city authorities honored the transient Bellini with a triumphant reception and a glamorous evening of opera at the Teatro Comunale (now Teatro Coppola, destroyed by a bombing raid in 1943). In 1890, a grand opera house opened with Bellini’s “Norma,” named after the famous son. Guided tours of the beautiful theater are available.
The Teatro Massimo Bellini is also one of the venues for the annual Bellini Festival, which runs for several weeks. Founded in 2009, the festival has consistently caused a stir with productions, such as “Norma” performed in Taormina in 2012. The festival takes place between late September and early November.
Teatro Massimo Bellini:
https://www.teatromassimobellini.it/
https://www.bellini-festival.org/It/News/
Destination Museo Civico Belliniano
A small Bellini museum has been set up in Bellini’s birthplace. In the 5-room apartment there are memorabilia such as books and instruments of the composer. The house was declared a national monument in 1923.
Explanations are partly in Italian only, check foreign language tour beforehand.
In the Museum :
No website available. Address: Piazza S. Francesco d’Assisi, 3, Catania.
Destination Dome of Catania (Bellini’s tomb)
Since 1876 Bellini’s remains rest in the Cathedral of Catania. On his sarcophagus are engraved as an inscription the notes and words of the famous melody from the opera “La sonnambula”: “Ah, I did not think to see you, so soon faded, o flower” «Ah, I didn’t believe I’d see you Wither so quickly, oh blossom! (“Non credea mirarti si presto estinto, o fiore!”).
Cattedrale Sant’Agata:
http://www.cattedralecatania.it/
Destination monument of Vincenzo Bellini
The monument was inaugurated on September 21, 1882. It is made entirely of white marble. The seven steps symbolize the 7 notes, on the steps are four figures from the operas “Norma”, “I puritani”, “La sonnambula” and “Il pirata”.
Monumento Vincenzo Bellini:
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