Opera Lessons

An invitation to conscious listening in the heart of Rome

The Opera Lessons are an educational series promoted by the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma as part of the Roma Opera Aperta project. Held at the Teatro Costanzi, located in Piazza Beniamino Gigli in Rome, the capital of the Lazio region, these sessions guide spectators through the season's featured operas. Each meeting takes place before the premiere of the production it covers, ensuring audiences arrive at the performance with a deeper understanding.

Giovanni Bietti, an exceptional guide

The sessions are led by Giovanni Bietti, a composer, musicologist, and one of Italy's most respected music educators, known to the public for his work on Rai Radio3. Using clear and engaging language, Bietti illustrates the historical context of each work, its dramaturgy, and its musical content, alternating his narrative with live piano performances. This method makes even the most complex scores accessible to all.

Who is it for?

The series is designed for a broad audience: from those who have never set foot in an opera house and wish to explore this world, to enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge of the masterpieces. The format, now well-established, has made the Opera Lessons one of the most popular events in Rome's cultural calendar.

How it works

• Each lesson is dedicated to a specific title from the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma season.
• Sessions are generally held before the opera's opening night.
• The venue is the Teatro Costanzi; times vary depending on the day (matinées on holidays, evenings on weekdays).
• Tickets can be purchased for individual sessions or as a subscription for the entire cycle.

A bridge between the public and opera

Within the educational activities of the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, the Opera Lessons hold a special place: they are not mere lectures, but an experience that blends words and music to reveal the richness of a genre that has shaped Italian culture. It is a way to experience the Roman opera season with more attentive eyes and ears, and to rediscover, title after title, the vitality of the great repertoire.