The Italian classical guitarist Federico Quercia performs famous Italian Opera Arias by Giuseppe Verdi, Gioachino Rossini and Pietro Mascagni. He is delighted to include La Traviata, The Sevilla Barber, The Sicilian Vespers, Cinderella. A rare opportunity to hear these masterworks played on the classical guitar, one of the most expressive instrument in the world. The concert is introduced by the beautifully romantic Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana, in the mandolin – style tremolo. Mauro Giuliani (27 July 1781 – 8 May 1829) was an Italian guitarist, cellist, singer, and composer. He was a leading guitar virtuoso of the early 19th century. Mauro Giuliani’s Rossiniane are "operatic fantasies or potpourris" for the guitar based on themes by Rossini. Giuliani composed the six sets c. 1820–1828 (Opus 119–124). Each set was called "Rossiniana", and collectively they are called "Rossiniane". This was the first known tribute by one composer to another using a title with the ending -ana. Johann Kaspar Mertz (17 August 1806 – 14 October 1856) was born in Pressburg, now Bratislava (Slovakia), then the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary and part of the Austrian Empire. He wrote no fewer than 38 'opera revues,' as he called them, that is, fantasies in which famous themes from popular operas were intertwined and connected through brilliant passages. When you listen to a performance of Mertz’s themes from Verdi today, you aren't just hearing "guitar music," but a dialogue between Italian theatrical passion and Central European instrumental technique. It is a perfectly executed attempt to enclose the entire stage of La Scala within the soundbox of a guitar. Programme Pietro Mascagni – Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana Giuseppe Verdi - (J.K Mertz) THE SICILIAN VESPERS “Maestoso Ombra diletta, che in ciel riposi” - Tarantella - “Coraggio, su coraggio” - “Del piacer s'avanza l'ora!” - “Parola fatale!” - “Giorno di pianto, di fier dolore!” – Brillante con moto. Gioachino Rossini – (J.K. Mertz) THE BARBER OF SEVILLE “Piano, pianissimo, senza parlar” – Ecco, ridente in cielo” – Andante – Allegro – “Dunque io son” – “Una voce poco fa” – Con moto. Giuseppe Verdi - (J.K. Mertz) LA TRAVIATA Preludio - “Libiamo ne’ lieti calici”- “Che è ciò?” - “Di Provenza il mar” - “E’ Piquillo un bel gagliardo”- “Addio del passato” - Con moto brillante. Mauro Giuliani Rossiniana III, Op. 121 Introduction (Maestoso sostenuto) “Un soave non so che” LA CENERENTOLA (Cinderella) “Oh mattutini albori!”, Andantino LA DONNA DEL LAGO (The Lady of the Lake) “Questo vecchio maledetto” IL TURCO IN ITALIA (The Turk in Italy) “Sorte! Secondami”, Allegro ZELMIRA “Cinto di nuovi allori”, Maestoso RICCIARDO E ZORAIDE