Winter rings in the season for opera lovers in Italy, and this is a special year with tributes to Verdi, one of the most popular opera composers, on the occasion of his Bicentenary. Rome came first, with a triumphal start-off featuring one of the composer's earliest works, Ernani, conducted by Riccardo Muti. The premiere was attended by the President of the Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, and his wife, Clio.
The Queen of opera, the Theatre of La Scala, Milan, launched its 2013-2014 season as usual on the Feast of S. Ambrogio, patron saint of the city and an important local holiday. The debut featured the popular evergreen La Traviata, conducted by Daniele Gatti.
Donizetti, instead, is the choice of Verona, with Don Pasquale presented by the Foundation Arena di Verona at the Philharmonic Theatre on the 13th December 2013. The performance deviates from tradition with popular comedian Antonio Albanese as director. Albanese has already shown his unexpected skills in two previous opera productions and is expected to score a hit with Don Pasquale as well.