Teatro Donizetti is one of the most iconic landmarks in Bergamo and a symbol of the city’s rich cultural heritage. This historic theater is not only a hub for opera lovers but also a venue for diverse cultural events and performances.
Architectural Highlights of the Theater
The theater spans an impressive 3200 square meters and retains much of its original late-18th-century design. Its main hall seats 532 guests and features an exquisite crystal chandelier with 78 lamps that adds to its grandeur. The three-tiered balconies provide additional seating for up to 1154 people and ensure excellent acoustics for every performance.
You can easily understand the magnificence of this building and the amazement it caused the Bergamasks who saw it rise at a time when only small temporary wooden theaters existed.
A huge sparkling crystal chandelier with as many as 78 lamps hangs in the center of the hall, in addition to the light sources in the boxes.
For sound distribution and harmony, it can be considered among the best in Italy.
Originally named Riccardi after its builder, this theater is, above all, the venue where the operas—more than 70!—of the great Bergamasque composer Gaetano Donizetti are celebrated and cherished by audiences.
Imagine Donizetti’s emotion as he was invested by an affectionate and heartfelt ovation from the audience in the theater during his opera L’esule di Roma. This consecration took place in 1840. Donizetti would die of illness in his hometown of Bergamo a few years later in 1848.
Gaetano Donizetti’s Legacy
Donizetti’s most frequently performed operas in theaters around the world today are L’elisir d’amore, Lucia di Lammermoor and Don Pasquale. Also frequently staged are La fille du régiment, La Favorite, Maria Stuarda, Anna Bolena, Lucrezia Borgia and Roberto Devereux.
The History of Teatro Donizetti
The Riccardi Theater was erected in 1791 with a plastered facade preceded by a small portico, very different from the present one. After a probably arson fire in 1797, it was rebuilt and reopened in 1800.
In 1897, on the occasion of the centenary of Gaetano Donizetti’s birth, Teatro Riccardi was named after the famous composer: work was also carried out and the building took on its current appearance.
In the 1920s, the century-old barracks of the Fair Factory were demolished and, to the design of architect Piacentini, the majestic buildings that you can still see in downtown Bergamo around the Theater were built.
After expansion and renovation work began in 1958, the renovated Theater began a rich new season of success in 1964.
In 1966 the municipality took over the management of the theater on its own. In 1968 the ‘Donizetti’ was included, by government measure, in the list of ‘Theaters of Tradition,’ in recognition of its cultural identity.
Events and Festivals at Teatro Donizetti
In 1982 the Festival ‘Donizetti and his time’ was born, an event aimed at studying and rediscovering the great composer. The new Ridotto was inaugurated in 1992, as part of the Donizetti Festival, and is also intended for meetings, concerts and various events.
In addition to the Doremix – Opera and Ballet Season, at the Donizetti you will be able to see a well-established and well-attended season of drama and contemporary theater Altri Percorsi, as well as numerous other performance initiatives including the Bergamo International Jazz Festival and the operetta season.
Also hosted by the city’s largest theater is the prestigious Brescia and Bergamo International Piano Festival organized by the Piano Festival Authority.
Curiosities
The theater debuted Giuseppe Verdi, who was present in the theater, with Ernani in 1844. The outcome of the performance, curated by Verdi himself, was positive, in a theater crowded with many members of the artistic world of the time.
In 1847, again at Riccardi, there was a memorable performance of the opera I lombardi alla prima Crociata, with a very long ovation to the famous chorus ‘O Signore dal tetto natio’, an expression of the desire for freedom present in every people.
How to Visit the Theater
DONIZETTI THEATER TICKET OFFICE
Piazza Cavour, 15 – Bergamo
tel. 035.4160 601/602/603
fax 035.4160670
biglietteriateatro@comune.bg.it
Ticket office opening info – https://www.teatrodonizetti.it/it/biglietteria-teatro-donizetti/