Catania Opera House and Pasta alla Norma: It's All About Bellini!

The breathtaking Catania Opera House, one of the most magnificent opera theaters in the world, is named, like many other places in the city, after legendary 19th-century composer Vincenzo Bellini. It was inaugurated in 1890 with a performance of Bellini’s masterpiece Norma. (photo by Giuseppe Stimolo)

By Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

When you first landed in Sicily, you might have noticed that the Catania Airport is named after Vincenzo Bellini, one of the most famous opera composers of the 19th century who was nicknamed “Il Cigno catanese” (The Catanian Swan). Bellini is also the name of Catania’s Teatro Lirico (Opera House), one of the most beautiful theaters in the world which is located in the historic heart of the enchanting city. So, who was this composer whose name can be found all over Catania?

Vincenzo Bellini was born in Catania, Sicily, on November 1st, 1801. He lived with his grandfather, who was among those who taught him music. Music ran in the family; his grandfather was a composer-organist for a local nobleman. By the age of seven, he already composed holy music. A Sicilian nobleman, struck by this child’s musical talent, persuaded Bellini’s father to allow his little son to be sent to Naples, where he offered to pay the child’s expense for learning music in the city.

Bellini’s first work for the stage was produced while he was still at the musical academy. “Adelson e Salvini” was performed in 1825, after which he collected other successes with operas like, “La Sonnambula,” “Il Pirata,” and “I Capuleti ed i Montecchi,” which was a brilliant success. Part of its fame was due to its popular subject, the story of Romeo and Juliet, a famous Shakespearean tragedy.

His eighth opera, “Norma,” staged on December 26, 1831, was a fiasco at first. After few more performances, though, it became one of the world’s opera masterpieces. Even if you are not an opera buff, at some point in your life you have probably listened to “Casta Diva,” the most famous aria of Vincenzo Bellini’s “Norma,” which was made famous by legendary singer Maria Callas.

According to tradition, the popularity of “Norma” led to the name of a traditional mouthwatering pasta dish from Catania with tomato sauce, eggplant and plenty of grated ricotta salata, or salty ricotta cheese. The story goes that Sicilian playwright Nino Martoglio was so impressed by this pasta that he compared it to the famous Bellini opera.

In 1883, Bellini was invited to direct his operas in London and Paris, but eight months later, his short life ended. He was only 33 years old. He body was brought back to his hometown, Catania, and there he was buried in the Cathedral. In order to honor its famous son, the city of Catania decided to give his name to the opera house, the public gardens (Villa Bellini), the Music School, the museum located in the house where the composer was born, and, most recently, the airport.

The must-see Bellini opera house was designed by Andrea Scala and Carlo Sada and was inaugurated in 1890 with the famous “Norma.” Its orchestra pit can host 105 musicians, 1,200 seats and a choir of 84. This architectural jewel is located inside the historic center of Catania and represents the core of the city’s artistic life. Ernesto Bellanti painted the frescoes on the ceiling that represent the” Triumph of Bellini,” as well as scenes from four of his famous operas. The auditorium has an excellent acoustics thanks to the concave shape of the ground under the floor of the theater.

For more information, details about the opera and symphonic seasons as well as guided tours, please visit https://www.teatromassimobellini.it