In Mass Marittima, encompassing the space around the 12th-13th century San Cerbone Cathedral and other medieval buildings in the Piazza Garibaldi, the 32nd edition of “Lirica in Piazza” will return with its abundance of opera, orchestra, multimedia, and lighting innovations. The three day festival, running August 3-5, will be held in the beating heart of the Tuscan square, with an interesting stage setup that allows for a continuous flow of the music through movable platforms and other stage dimensions.
The legacy of masters of the opera will reverberate throughout the square during the evenings. The first performance will be the dramatic opera, “Tosca,” by Giacomo Puccini. It is in three acts, with no overture, and is known for keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. This version will incorporate multimedia and lighting technologies with the classical scenery.
Following on the next evening is another three act piece, “Rigoletto” by Giuseppe Verdi, inspired by a work called “Le Roi s’amuse,” is known for its liveliness and face-paced action that will be reflected in quick changes of scenery. Closing the festival, will be Don Pasquale, a tragicomedy to the music of Donizetti which will take the audience back i time to 18th century Rome. The design of the stage will be an imaginative replica of the Villa d’Este in Tivoli. The Fountain of Dragons, along with its famous double staircase will be part of this replication.
The Europa Symphonic Orchestra along with the Italian Lyric Choir will be playing music for all the operas in the festival. “Lirica in Piazza” will offer a shuttle bus connecting Mass Marittima with Follonica and Scarlino all three nights. For tickets, visit www.boxofficetoscana.it or call 055/210804. For more information and updates, check the website www.liricainpiazza.it. (jennifer klammer)
