Rossini may not be as famous today as Mozart or Bach, but he was a prolific composer, his name is stamped on around three dozen operas as well as chamber and religious compositions, so there is a wealth of familiar and little known work to build an annual festival from. His works are energetic and theatrical and he was known for composing them on the fly responding to moments of brilliance in his bedroom.

His most famous composition is probably the Lone Ranger’s theme (in its original form the overture of his opera ‘Guilluame Tell’ (William Tell).), but he also wrote ‘La Cenerentola’ (Cinderella), ‘Otello, ’Faust’ and ‘Mose in Egitto’. Rossini was also known for working best under pressure and opera directors and impresarios used to hold him captive until he produced the overture for that evenings performance.

Hugely popular in his own time, especially in Italy from 1810, his work had a resurgence in popularity in the 1950’s but the first Rossini festival wasn’t held until 1980. In 1993 the festival got its official nod from the Italian Parliament and cemented its backing and funding in its efforts to restore his work. The festival stakes out Pesaro’s main theatres, the Teatro Rossini (950 seats), the Pal festival (1,500 seats), The Teatro Sperimentale (650 seats) and the Auditorium Pedrotti (750 seats).

Pesaro centre was once a beautiful medieval town known for its impressive cathedrals and churches, an ideal backdrop for opera, and this traditional style and atmosphere is enhanced by the festival. This section of the Adriatic Riviera is lined with sandy beaches, so top up your tan with your culture.

Rossine Opera Festival Website (In Italian).

Written by  Kat Mackintosh.

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