“The Politeama Theater of Catanzaro has once again become, over the past season, a point of reference for opera, organizing not only important original productions such as Orfeo and Aida, but also confirming itself as a showcase and workshop for young talents. The San Francesco di Paola International Competition was the latest step in this journey through which the Politeama Foundation intends to relaunch and strengthen the theater’s vocation as a great venue open to all forms of performance, without forgetting its own identity and structural features that make it particularly suitable for staging operas. In this sense, the initiative promoted by the Orchestra del Mediterraneo Association, in collaboration with the Orfeo Stillo Musical Association, made it possible to bring an opera competition to the Politeama for the first time, with candidates from all over Europe, Asia, and America, who showcased their vocal qualities before a jury, of which I had the pleasure of being a part, composed of theater directors and prominent industry professionals. A valuable opportunity not only for their careers, but also for our theater which, in awarding some special recognitions, wanted to particularly reward soprano Laura Fortino and baritone Giampiero Delle Grazie, giving them the opportunity to take part in Politeama productions over the next year. Tenor Nile Senatore, on the other hand, will give a recital as part of the Autumn Festival 2026. These are concrete opportunities to promote emerging talents who, for the most part, have Calabrian origins, even though they have already established themselves internationally, and who will thus be able to become even better known and appreciated in their own land. The Politeama looks not only to performances; the immediate commitment will also be directed towards training and outreach to bring the theater closer to the territory and involve the new generations.”
Antonietta Santacroce
Artistic Director and Superintendent of the Politeama Theater of Catanzaro