12 November 2007
Bilbao Campus
Last 2006-2007 opera season, the Bilbao Association of Friends of the Opera (ABAO) set this project in motion with the staging of Rigoletto and Oberto, as a result of Bilbao?s strong links with Verdi?s work. Thus, one of the main aims of this project is the production and staging of all the operas by this Italian composer, in all their forms, throughout the 2006/2007 and 2020/2021 seasons.
Despite the fact that this is one of the main aims of this Project, ?Tutto Verdi? is also a cultural project that seeks to analyse Verdi?s world; obviously, this does not only encompass the musical world but also it includes the psychological, social, political, economic and historical aspects and what they meant during the 19th century and right through the current 21st century. With this aim in mind, last year, the University of Deusto established a framework collaboration agreement with the ABAO Association to offer conferences hosted by Deusto Forum throughout these years.
Following last year?s successful experience of the first series, the papers presented have been included in a book published jointly by the ABAO association and the University of Deusto; this 2007-2008 academic year, the Deusto Forum will be holding four lectures on various aspects related to Verdi?s figure and work.This year, participants include Stéphane Lissner, director of La Scala Theatre in Milan, an emblematic venue for the opera in general, and for Verdi in particular, who will bring this conference series to a close next 18 January.
In addition, a number of lectures will be held within this programme. Speakers include Amelia Valcárcel, professor of Moral Philosophy and Politics at the University of Oviedo, who will give a talk on the role played by women in Verdi?s operas next 15 November and, on 16 November, Emilio Aragón, musician and orchestra conductor, will examine the reasons why Verdi is both a classical and an extremely popular musician also outside Italy. Juan Angel Vela del Campo, cultural director of ?Tutto Verdi?, will also take part in these cultural activities.
