Oscar-Winner Morricone's Lost Opera Debuts After 30 Years

Ennio Morricone's opera, Partenope, debuts at Naples Teatro San Carlo, thirty years after its creation. This long-awaited performance is inspired by the mythical siren Partenope, who is integral to Naples' cultural identity, with her voice symbolizing the city’s spirit.

According to The Seattle Times, Morricone, known for iconic film scores like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, never saw his opera performed before his death, as it had been shelved after a festival bankruptcy.

Director Vanessa Beecroft and conductor Riccardo Frizza interpreted Morricone's vision without his guidance, employing unique instrumentation, including flutes and horns, while integrating local Neapolitan sounds.

Anticipation was high among locals, with free tickets to rehearsals disappearing swiftly. The opera not only marks Morricone's legacy but also celebrates Naples' cultural revival, coinciding with the city's 2,500th anniversary and highlighting its recent resurgence in global recognition and tourism.

Morricone's Partenope joins the ranks of historical adaptations, as noted by librettist Sandro Cappelletto, who shared that Morricone had reconciled with his music career shortly before his passing, suggesting a sense of peace regarding his artistic journey.