November 04

Commissioned by King Charles VII of Naples, the Teatro di San Carlo opened its doors with the premiere of the opera 'Achille in Sciro'. Designed by engineer Giovanni Antonio Medrano, its horseshoe-shaped auditorium and advanced stage machinery set new standards for theatre design. The opulent decor, including gilded balconies and frescoed ceilings, reflected the grandeur of Bourbon patronage. Quickly becoming a cultural hub, the San Carlo attracted eminent composers like Rossini and Donizetti. It has survived fires, earthquakes, and political upheavals while maintaining its rich operatic tradition. Today, it remains a living monument to the golden age of European opera.

Composed during a brief stop in Linz, Mozart wrote his Symphony No. 36 in just four days to meet the demands of the town’s concert programmers. Known as the 'Linz' Symphony, it features rich orchestration and vivid thematic contrasts that highlight Mozart's mature compositional voice. The premiere took place in the newly built town hall, where the audience greeted the work with enthusiasm. This symphony bridged the styles of Mozart's Salzburg upbringing and his later Viennese masterpieces. It solidified his reputation as a leading symphonist of the Classical era. Today, the 'Linz' Symphony remains a staple of the orchestral repertoire, admired for its elegance and inventiveness.