The fourth edition of the Mythos Opera Festival will take place in three exceptional locations: the Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte in Caltagirone, the Greek Theater of Taormina and the Teatro di Verdura of Palermo.
Dates and Performances
On July 16, Cavalleria Rusticana will inaugurate the festival in the evocative Santa Maria del Monte Stairway in Caltagirone, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. La Traviata will be staged on July 22nd, in the magical atmosphere of the Ancient Theater of Taormina, then replicated at the Teatro di Verdura in Palermo on August 21st and 28th. Then on July 29th, at the Teatro Antico in Taormina and on August 7th, at the Teatro di Verdura in Palermo, the tried and tested dictatorial Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci will be staged. Another highly anticipated opera is Aida, scheduled for August 12th, at the Ancient Theater of Taormina and on August 14th, at the Teatro di Verdura in Palermo.
About the Locations
The three stages that have been chosen for the festival are anything but ordinary and are certainly not by chance. The Santa Maria del Monte Staircase in Caltagirone (in southern Sicily’s Catania province) is an amazing artistic feat comprised of 142 steps. Each step was painstakingly decorated with majolica tiles in the 1950’s; however, the staircase itself has been present since the 1600’s. It’s beauty has gained it the prestigious recognition of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Ancient Theater of Taormina is probably the best known. It is the second largest amphitheater in Sicily (second to the one in Syracuse). It provides stunning views of Mount Etna, the Calabrian coast on mainland Italy and the Ionian coast of Sicily. Dating back to the third century BC, it was surely of Greek origin and was later reconstructed by the Romans. It was constructed for grandiose performances including gladiatorial battles so it is only fitting that it would host great musical and theatrical performances today as well.
Lastly, but certainly not least, the Teatro di Verdura in Palermo is the summer venue of the world-famous Teatro Massimo. Built in the late 1800’s, it’s one of the largest opera houses in Europe and the largest in Italy. It’s seen its share of opera greats as well as films- including The Godfather III.
Tickets can be purchased on the official website of the Mythos Opera event.
Find out more about wonderful Sicily!
photo credits: mythosoperafestival.com
