Castelgrande Opera in Bellizona July18th to 24th, 2011

“An opera begins long before the curtain goes up and ends long after it has come down. It starts in my imagination, it becomes my life, and it stays part of my life long after I've left the opera house.”
Maria Callas

Bellinzona is probably Switzerland's most Italianate town. The skyline of the capital of Ticino is defined by the powerful fortifications, comprising three of the best-preserved medieval castles in Switzerland, which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The great opera is back in Bellinzona after almost nine years of absence from the stages of Ticino's capital. It is back to one of the most exclusive locations, the monumental Castelgrande.

Seven dates - from 18th to 24th July, 2011 - compose the "Lyric Week" of Castelgrande Opera Bellinzona. The programme includes great classics such as "Tosca" by Puccini, "La Traviata" by Verdi, "The Barber of Seville" by Rossini and the Lyric Gala with Mariella Devia. The cycle of representations has been realized with the collaboration of IKO International Orchestra and IKO Chorus.

Given the theatrical surrounding of the castle, I believe this is a perfect time to introduce children to the world of Opera if you havn't done so yet. I'm sure mine would be mezmerized by the Barber of Seville.

Information and programme: www.operabellinzona.com.
Ticket sales: Bellinzona Turismo, Palazzo Civico, Tel. 091/ 825 48 18. Ticketcorner sales points, tel. 0900 800 800 (Fr. 1.19 min.) or online at www.ticketcorner.ch and at the box office during show days.