Opera is a powerful, captivating and moving artform with the ability to transport audiences. Loved across the globe, it’s a deeply emotional and magical experience that transcends language barriers through the blending of narratives, melodies and the human voice.
Opera, the Italian word for work, denotes the labour, toil and commitment of the composers, librettists, musicians, singers and performers, required to bring an opera to life. Set to orchestral and instrumental music, opera explores the themes of love and lust, passion and obsession, life and death. The result is beautiful storytelling and an exceptional performance.
From the first opera, Dafne, composed by Jacopo Peri in 1598, to centuries of exquisite masterpieces, Italy has been at the centre of the development of this art. As a result, the country has produced many renowned and famous composers, such as: Giuseppe Verdi, Gioachino Rossini, Giacomo Puccini, Claudio Monteverdi, and Vincenzo Bellini.
Showcasing drama-filled plots and intricately composed music, famous Italian operas range from every period and movement, from 17th century Baroque and 18th century opera buffa, to 19th century romantic and 20th century realism. As such, Italy can lay claim to some of the greatest operas of all time, including Verdi’s Aida, La Traviata and Il trovatore, as well as Puccini’s Tosca, La bohème and Madama Butterfly.
Being home to some of the most popular and well attended opera festivals in the world, international opera lovers descend on Italy in their thousands each year. From Verona to Torre del Lago, audiences are mesmerised by Italian masterpieces, as well as famous compositions from the wider opera repertoire, including Mozart’s Magic Flute and Bizet’s Carmen.
For many, the opportunity to attend a live opera performance is a thrilling, exhilarating and unforgettable experience. However, there are few things that can compare to witnessing the greatest operas performed in Italy, the birthplace of opera.
To book an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience, explore our carefully designed itineraries and browse our upcoming guided opera tours in Italy.
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