The Rocca of Lonato del Garda is set to resonate with the immortal notes of Giacomo Puccini. On Wednesday, July 23rd, at 8:45 PM, “La Bohème” will take the stage, an event that signifies much more than a mere operatic performance. It is the culmination of an intense training journey, a true “art workshop” that, under the guidance of world-renowned bass Roberto Scandiuzzi, has transformed young singers into well-rounded artists ready for the spotlight.
This initiative, born from the synergy between the musical association “La Bottega della Lirica” and the Municipal Administration, is a cultural project that focuses on the growth and enhancement of new talents. The stars of the show are indeed the winners and finalists of the “Lonato all’Opera” Lyric Competition, who have had the unique opportunity to work on a complete production.
The Maestro’s Vision: “Training Must Lead to Something”
At the heart of this experience is Maestro Roberto Scandiuzzi, the opera’s director and honorary president of the association. His philosophy is clear and pragmatic, shaped by fifty years of experience on the most prestigious international stages. “Training must lead to something,” Scandiuzzi passionately explains. “It’s not enough to just give a concert. We aim to provide comprehensive training, from the basics to the finished work. The young artists here see everything: the work of the pianists, the technicians, the lighting. It’s a total immersion in the reality of theater.”
This intensive ten-day program is designed as a “masterclass,” but above all as a “wake-up call.” “Just because you love to sing doesn’t mean you can be an artist,” the Maestro asserts. “Love for singing is the foundation, but the craft is another matter. One must understand how to be on stage, how to follow a conductor, how to interact with the lights and fellow performers. These courses serve precisely this purpose: to help the young artists determine if this profession truly suits them.”
Scandiuzzi defines himself as a “storyteller” who imparts not only technique but also a modern approach to opera, an art form that has evolved significantly over the past decades. His direction, in fact, sets “La Bohème” in a contemporary context, emphasizing that the passions, hopes, and disillusionments of the young protagonists are the same as those of today’s youth.
From Workshop to Stage: The Protagonists
The fruits of this labor will come to life on stage through the voices of the young performers. In the crucial role of Mimì, we will see the local soprano Alessia Panza, a talent from the area who, like her colleagues, has actively participated in the entire training process. The performance will be further enriched by the participation of the Lonato del Garda Musical Corps, which will perform according to the original score, creating a happy synergy between emerging lyrical talents and a solid local musical reality.
A Collective Project with an Eye on the Future
A project of this magnitude is only possible thanks to teamwork. Scandiuzzi emphasizes the essential role of Maestro Anna Brandolini, the artistic director and true “soul” of the initiative, and president Davide Cocchi. The Maestro extends special thanks to the Tourism Councillor Mariangela Musci and the entire Municipality of Lonato, which provided crucial logistical and organizational support. With an eye already on the future, the association does not hide its ambition to continue on this path, proposing to stage another grand opera next year, such as Rigoletto.
Useful Information
Reservations for the show are now open. Tickets can be purchased through the “La Bottega della Lirica” website. In case of bad weather, the event will be postponed to the following evening, Thursday, July 24, 2025.
For further details, you can contact the Musical Association La Bottega della Lirica at +39 3495608347 or the Mayor’s Office of the Municipality of Lonato del Garda at 030/91392218.
Italian Version
