The opera is Don Pasquale by Gaetano Doninzetti and, for a change, it is a funny opera, un'opera buffa, as we would say in the traditional Italian operatic terms. In other words, nobody dies! Here is a synopsis of the opera from Opera Santa Barbara's own website: In this comic masterpiece, the doddering Don Pasquale has willed his fortune to his nephew, Ernesto, on the condition he approves of the young man's bride. Read more [...]

How did the women of ancient Rome live? How important were they in Roman society? Did they reach positions of power? Read more [...]

Ciao, Amici! It is our great pleasure to announce a lovely Italian event.   It is produced by Massimiliano Finazzer Flory and it was especially created for “2013 - Year of the Italian Culture in the United States”.  The  choreography and dance are by Michela Lucenti and Emanuela Serra;  the piano music is by Nino Rota and Fiorenzo Carpi and performed by Gianluca Pezzino.  Scenography is by Bertolucci. PINOCCHIO, the story of a Puppet THE PLAY Literature, Theater, Dance, Music   Read more [...]