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Every opera lover knows that Paris hosts the majestic Opéra National and that Vienna is the proud bearer of the Staatsoper. On the list of must-see opera houses, Italy gets a fair third place for its Sicilian jewel, the Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele from Palermo.

The theatre designates the biggest concert hall throughout Italy and the main opera house of Palermo. As many historic paths of artistic venues, the long existence of the Massimo gathered brilliant minds that either built it, played in it or created in it. The origins can be tracked back in 1864 when the representative of the local authorities of Palermo initiated a competition for the future theater. The architect that finally got to build it was Giovanni Battista Filippo Basile, followed by his son who continued the project.
The inauguration was marked by a unique performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s last opera, Falstaff that crowned the evening of the 16th of May 1897. The roots of the architectural design date from ancient and classical ages. The high neo-classical style was the source of inspiration for the exterior that also enjoys elements of the Greek temple of Agrigento.

It took twenty years (1974- 1997) for the authorities to join the resources altogether and adapt the edifice to the updated safety rules. From 1999 to present times the opera house seems to have gotten back on track, although political tribulations keep on disturbing the smooth flow of the artistic activities.

The reason why this edifice now exists is the king of Piedmont, Savoy and Sardinia (1849- 1861), Vittorio Emanuele or as Italians named him, Father of the Country. The theater was a dedication to his efforts as the first king of united Italy.

Nowadays, the opera house makes a real world of magnificence. Classical music couldn’t be hosted by a more beautiful architectural creation, on Italian territory. Everyone is welcome in the musical realm of the Massimo and a guided tour is possible anytime.
Not only music lovers appreciate the majesty of the theatre but filmmakers also. The notorious “Godfather” had its third part filmed right inside this building. Francis Ford Coppola made the best choice for Anthony’s performance of Cavalleria Rusticana, an episode that translates one of the reasons why the movie was flawless.

Classical music needs the right venue for its manifestations and this is exactly what the Massimo does with every concert. And it succeeds in being equally mysterious and attractive every time you have a taste of this musical venue.