I was fortunate to catch several interesting things in 2025, including Jessica Pratt’s one-off Norma in Milan, another wonderful concert performance by the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra (last year was Don Carlo, this year is P. 2 of Les Troyens!), and Asmik Grigorian’s riveting Desdemona in Madrid. However, the most unforgettable event of my operagoing year was a performance of Antonio Smareglia‘s rare-as-can-be Pittori fiamminghi in the stunningly beautiful hill town of Castell’Arquato.

Part of the annual Festival Illica honoring the city’s native son Luigi Illica, the performance offered a precious opportunity to hear a rare score by an even rarer composer in a gorgeous medieval piazza. While I probably wouldn’t rush to hear this anguished, Wagnerian work again, any opportunity to hear a different dimension of the giovane scuola beyond the usual offerings is a worthy one. And if you decide to make the trek to Castell’Arquato yourself, I can recommend you a great AirBnB.

Harry Rose

Harry Rose, based in Providence, Rhode Island, is currently pursuing a PhD in Italian Studies at Brown University. Starting out blogging independently as Opera Teen in 2013, he holds the auspicious distinction of being the youngest writer to ever contribute to parterre box (at age 14) and has had the pleasure and challenge of writing for the rigorously discerning cher public since 2012. Increasingly niche hobbies and interests include opera, ballet, theatrical goings-on of the fin-de-siècle, and gatekeeping Camp.

Comments