Magnetic Opera Festival 2019

A historical mine is the natural theatre for the opera and ballet event that will enchant Elba Island from 7 to 22 July.

The Ginevro mine, known since the ancient Etruscans for its magnetite deposit and abandoned in the early ’80s, is now open to the public for gallery visits.

Also, in summer, it becomes the unusual, fascinating backdrop for the rich performance calendar of the Magnetic Opera Festival.

The festival will star the likes of sopranos trio Appassionante, artists from the New York Harlem Theatre, as well as the Neapolitan ballet dancer Giuseppe Picone.

Isola d’Elba (Tuscany) – 17 July 2019 – Till the 22 July, Elba Island will host the fifth edition of the Magnetic Opera Festival that will take place in Capoliveri, the main town of the South-Eastern side of the Tuscan island. The summer musical event organised by the local cultural association Maggyart combines opera and ballet performances at two venues: the historical, magnetite mine of Ginevro (Miniera di Ginevro) and the scenic main square of Capoliveri – Piazza Matteotti.

The Ginevro Mine, known since ancient times for its rich deposit of magnetite, was abandoned in the early ’80s and today, after being reopened to the public, is one of the must-see attractions of Elba Island. Its fascinating galleries, where miners have worked for centuries, are in fact open for visits: an adventurous journey “to the centre of the earth”. This hidden gem is located on Mount Calamita and every summer its sides become the natural background the most fascinating events of the Magnetic Opera Festival not only for opera and ballet passionate but also for those who want to live an unusual experience.  The skilful play of lights that illuminate the high iron-rich mountainside makes the dreamlike atmosphere of the mine even more enchanting.

Programme of the Magnetic Opera Festival 2019

Thursday, 18 July 2019 | 21:30 | Miniera di Ginevro – Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci

The Orchestra Sinfonica Cantieri d’Arte, conducted by maestro Stefano Giaroli, will perform two of most famous classic verismo operas: Cavalleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni and Ruggero Leoncavallo. The two operas share topics such as love, jealousy and death, and are often performed together. The vocal cast features stand-out opera singers such as Cristina Melis, Alberto Profeta, and Renata Campanella. The direction, scenes and costumes are by Artemio Cabassi.

Monday, 22 July 2019 | 21:30 | Miniera di Ginevro – Turandot

Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot has been chosen for the grand finale of 2019 edition of Magnetic Opera Festival. Maestro Stefano Giaroli will conduct the Orchestra Filarmonica delle Terre Verdiane and the Coro dell’Opera di Parma with French soprano France Dariz playing the title character opposite the tenor Diego Cavazzin (Calaf). The direction, scenes and costumes are by Artemio Cabassi.

From 8 July to 22 July 2019 | Piazza Matteotti – Matinée

Every day during the Magnetic Opera Festival, Piazza Matteotti will host matinée concerts.