Musical Events

Massimo Theatre
The noble elite of Palermo found its architectural emblem in the Theatre Massimo, an opera house designed by the architect G. Basile in 1867 following an international competition. It is an eclectic building in which different styles (from the ancient Greek architecture to the neoclassical style) are perfectly and harmoniously blended. Its imposing architectural structure - very similar to the opera house in Paris-is renowned throughout the world. The theatre schedules annually a rich program of operas.

Its technical characteristics make possible staging a wide range of performances: with its 7730 square meters it is the third largest opera house in Europe following Paris and Vienna, seating 3200 people, and it has the second largest stage (1214 meters square) following the opera house in Paris (1390). After remaining inexplicably closed for twenty-three years to complete renovations, it was reopened in 1997.

Now the imposing building of the theatre marks Palermo’s skyline with its cupola and its light yellow façade. It is worth visiting the interiors elegantly painted in fresco and the auditorium with five tiers of boxes.
After the death of G. Basile, the supervision of the architecture works were entrusted to Enrico Basile, his son, who also designed the two Liberty-style Kiosks lain in front of the theatre. Both made of wrought iron and wood, Chiosco Ribaudo and Chiosco Vicari are now tobacconists’ open till late.

Theatre Season 2007

Castroreale Jazz
For five years Castroreale Jazz has been home to jazz acts with jazz legend from Italy and from around the world. It is held in the splendid baroque square in Castroreale in late July. (castrorealejazz) 

International Sacred and Renaissance Music Week
In the early September the town of Erice hosts this important event. Concerts are scheduled in the churches S. Martino, S. Cataldo, S. Giovanni Battista.
(erice) 

Sacred Music Week
From late November to early December the Dome in Monreale schedules a rich program of events of sacred music and traditional music. Free visit to the recently restored pipe organ with its 10000 pipes.
(monreale)

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