“I am truly grateful to the great public of New York for the extraordinarily enthusiastic reception they have given to my works… I conclude by shouting, ‘America forever. These are the words of Giacomo Puccini, departing from New York in February 1907 at the end of his first tour in the United States, on the occasion of the American premieres of Madama Butterfly and Manon Lescaut. At his side was his wife Elvira, with whom the composer recorded a rare farewell message dedicated to the American public, now preserved in the Virgilio Boccardi Collection of the Historical Archive of Teatro La Fenice.
This remarkable testimony provides the starting point for the conference “Puccini, the American”, a project that aims to explore Puccini’s relationship with the United States.
On the occasion of the concert performance of IL TRITTOCO at Carnegie Hall with the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gianadrea Noseda, the conference examines Puccini’s American experience between 1907, the year of his first visit, and 1918, when Il trittico premiered at the Metropolitan Opera.
Speakers:
Gianandrea Noseda, internationally acclaimed conductor;
Virgilio Bernardoni, one of Italy’s leading scholars of opera and musical theatre;
Carla Moreni, a prominent voice in opera journalism for Il Sole 24 Ore;
Patrizia Mavilla, Director of the Fondazione Ragghianti and curator of interdisciplinary exhibitions.
Moderator: Claudio Pagliara, Italian Cultural Institute of New York.
On this occasion, there is the opening of exhibition “Puccini Photographer” dedicated to the composer’s photographic activity during his stays in the United States. Puccini’s American experience between 1907, the year of his first visit, and 1918, offers three complementary perspectives: Musicological, Visual, and Journalistic.
There will also be on display the exhibition PUCCINI PHOTOGRAPHER: A Newly Revealed Vision of Giacomo Puccini.
A groundbreaking exhibition unveils the composer’s hidden artistic passion—photography—offering an unprecedented portrait beyond the legend.
Moving beyond familiar narratives, the exhibition redefines Puccini as a multifaceted artist whose curiosity extended far beyond the operatic stage. His photographs—captured with skill, enthusiasm, and a keen visual sensibility—document the landscapes and environments that shaped his life, from Torre del Lago and Viareggio to Abetone. Through these images, Puccini reveals an intimate gaze focused on nature, architecture, and everyday life, as well as the homes and personal spaces he inhabited.
During his visits to the United States in 1907 and 1910—on the occasion of performances and the world premiere of La Fanciulla del West at the Metropolitan Opera House—he documented the dynamism of early 20th-century America. His photographs from New York City, Philadelphia, and Niagara Falls capture sweeping urban panoramas, bustling ports, and evocative scenes of maritime life, revealing his fascination with modernity and movement.
Bio:
Gianandrea Noseda
An internationally renowned conductor, he is the General Music Director of the National Symphony Orchestra and one of the leading interpreters of both operatic and symphonic repertoire, with a particular focus on Italian music.
Virgilio Bernardoni
A musicologist and university professor, he is among Italy’s leading scholars of musical theatre and opera, with numerous publications dedicated to the operatic repertoire.
Carla Moreni
A journalist and music critic, she writes for Il Sole 24 Ore and is one of the most authoritative voices in opera outreach and criticism in Italy.
Patrizia Mavilla
An art historian and curator, she is the director of the Fondazione Ragghianti, where she promotes exhibitions and interdisciplinary research projects.
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