Teatro Sociale (Social Theater)

Theatre in Como

Teatro Sociale Como
CC BY-SA 3.0 / JoJan

The Social Theater (Teatro Sociale) of Como was established following a decision by the local nobility, who felt the need for a new, more modern theatre. It replaced an older building dating back to 1765, which had become outdated. The site chosen for the new theatre was the location of the ruined medieval castle, the Round Tower (Torre Rotonda). Construction began under architect Giuseppe Cusi in early 1812 and was completed in August 1813.

The new theatre featured a Neo-classical facade, which was completed just in time for a performance of Marco Portogallo’s opera “Adriano in Siria.” Renovations in 1854 added 38 new boxes, increasing the total to 98 when the theatre reopened in 1855. By the early 20th century, however, the theatre was once again deemed too small to accommodate all who wished to attend, leading to the construction of a new house in 1910.

The entrance portico of the theatre is supported by six free-standing Corinthian columns, giving the facade a grand and regal opera-house appearance. Inside, the cello-shaped auditorium is adorned with red velvet seats. The ceiling, painted by Eleuterio Pagliano, features muses descending from Olympus, bearing crowns for artists. The curtains, designed by Alessandro Sanquirico, depict the volcanic death of Pliny the Elder.

The theatre has hosted notable performances, including a virtuoso violin concert by Nicolo Paganini in 1823 and a performance by Franz Liszt in 1837, where he played his compositions “The Serenade” and “The Orgy.” The Social Theatre also features a famous outdoor stage known as the “Arena.” Although it was closed in the 1960s, it reopened in 2013 with a production of Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana.”

Since 2012, every July, the entire city of Como comes alive with the Como City of Music Festival (Festival Como Città della Musica), organized by the Social Theatre. This festival features a variety of international performances, ranging from tango and swing ballets to traditional music concerts from Africa and Japan, all taking place throughout the streets of Como.

The Teatro Sociale (Social Theater) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Como!

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Visiting Teatro Sociale (Social Theater)

Address: Teatro Sociale, Via Vincenzo Bellini, Como, Province of Como, Italy

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