Things to do in Veneto, Italy: The Best Concerts & Shows

Andrea Palladio’s last work and masterpiece, the Olympic Theatre was commissioned in February 1580 by the Accademia Olimpica, a society of mixed social classes founded in Vicenza in 1555 for cultural and scientific purposes and to which Palladio himself belonged. Construction began in May 1580, but Palladio died suddenly on 19 August of that year so did not see its completion. After various, complex delays, the theatre was completed five years later and opened on 3 March 1585 with the memorable staging of Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus. The theatre is reached by way of the odeon and anti-odeon, two large rooms designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi and decorated respectively with frescoes by Francesco Maffei portraying divinities and allegorical figures (c. 1637) and a monochrome frieze of considerable documentary interest (c. 1595). This depicts theatrical productions presented by the Accademia before construction of the Olimpic Theatre (Amor costante, Sophonisba) and shows or events held in the new theatre (Oedipus the King, the diplomatic mission of Japanese envoys). Palladio designed a monumental scenae frons within an enclosed space intended to simulate classical theatres in the open air. It is flanked by two wings or stage doors and a semi-elliptical cavea with thirteen tiers, ending in a columned exedra at the top, partly open and partly with niches in the wall. Statues of the academicians who commissioned the theatre, dressed in classical costume, occupy the niches and plinths of the structure. A series of splendid bas reliefs showing stories of Hercules by Ruggero Bascape occupies the highest row. Wooden perspective scenery of the streets of Thebes runs back from the three openings in the scenea frons. This was designed by Scamozzi for the opening performance of Oedipus Tyrannus and has remained as a permanent feature

"Piccolo Teatro Dante" is an open-air theatre designed and built by co-workers, teachers and students od the Theatre Academy Lorenzo Da Ponte on the model of english Reinassance theaters: all the plays, based on Shakespeare's drama, are produced by pur Theatre Academy and start at 7pm, at the sunset, giving to the audience an unique and unforgettable experience.

This world famous opera house, burned to the ground in 1996, has been rebuilt amongst much scandal and drama: its modern beauty and complex history ensure its place among the most celebrated monuments in Italian history.

Built in the first century AD, this is one of the best conserved Roman amphitheatres, whose seating area is made up of 44 levels and can hold up to 22,000 spectators.

Accessible Opera, as though it was in your sitting room, but its a palace in Venice. Stunningly personal. Fun fun fun with 3 light and easy Operas to choose, 7 nights a week. It will make so many people's trip to Venice even more memorable.

The performance is available only on demand. Verona is the Italian city known all around the world for the story of the star cross’d lovers: ROMEO AND JULIET.At the same time Verona is home to one of the world largest roman amphitheatres, the ARENA, which presents a lyrical summer opera season that has been running since 1913.Now, with “OPERA IN LOVE” the two Verona excellences share their emotional strength in a new performance.Romeo and Juliet will come alive through Shakespeare’s words combined with famous operatic arias for the emotional climaxes. A dancer representing the soul provides a bridge between the story and the audience.The audience will enjoy this journey of love in a Romanesque church (XII century), accompanied by an accomplished pianist.The performance is in Shakespeare's english