Teatro Sociale – The Centre of Como’s Cultural Life

TEATRO SOCIALE – THE CENTRE OF ARTISTIC LIFE IN COMO:

Inside the Teatro Sociale, Como

Just behind Como’s cathedral is the neo-classical structure of the Teatro Sociale, Como’s opera theatre. Como prides itself as a city of the arts and Teatro Sociale is home to the city’s operas and classical concerts and its busy calendar of events include drama, theatre and dance.

Teatro Sociale

Teatro Sociale was built on land that was originally occupied by the Castello della Torre Rotonda, the medieval Castle of the Round Tower.  Alessandro Volta, a native of Como who invented the battery in the 1800s, was involved in the acquisition of the land for the Teatro Sociale. Unfortunately, Volta did not get to see electric lighting at the Teatro Sociale.  The opera theatre only went electric in 1899, on the occasion of the centenary of Volta’s invention of the battery. Como’s opera theatre was originally designed by Giuseppe Cusi in 1811, but many other eminent Italian architects were involved in its various modifications and restorations over time.

Como’s Links with Opera and Classical Music

Teatro Sociale is a significant venue in the world of opera and classical concert and it has hosted master composers and musicians like Niccolò Paganini, Giuditta Pasta and Franz Liszt. In 1943, when La Scala in Milan was severely damaged during the WWII bombings, La Scala performances were moved to Teatro Sociale for a season. As a mark of solidarity, all the big names of Italian opera and classical music and conductors came and performed at the Teatro Sociale.

When Liszt and the Countess Marie d’Agoult came to Italy, they stayed on Lake Como and their daughter Cosima Liszt was born in Como. Cosima Liszt later went on to become the second wife of Richard Wagner.

Operas and Concerts at Teatro Sociale

These days the Teatro Sociale has a very active calendar of events that cover a wide spectrum of music, drama and dance. Visitors to Como who love opera and classical music will enjoy a performance in this beautiful historic venue with its plush red velvet seats and intimate setting.
To see what’s on at Teatro Sociale and book events, see Here.

Address:

Teatro Sociale Como
Via Bellini, 3
22100 Como

Map of Como:

Click here to get a free PDF of this post