Teatro Sociale (Social Theater), Como

The Social Theater (Teatro Sociale) of Como was founded following the decision of the local nobility that a new theatre was needed. It replaced the existing 1765-year building, which was regarded as outdated. The site of the ruined medieval castle, Round Tower (Torre Rotonda), was chosen as the location of the new theatre. Construction started under architect Giuseppe Cusi in early 1812 but was not finished until August 1813.

The new theatre had a Neo-classic facade, finished in time for a performance of Marco Portogallo's opera, "Adriano in Siria." Renovations done in 1854 created 38 new boxes. The theatre re-opened in 1855 with a box capacity of 98. By the early 20th century, the theatre was again determined to be too small to accommodate all who wished to attend. A new house was built in 1910.

The entrance portico is supported by six free-standing Corinthian columns. The facade has a regal, grand opera look. The cello-shaped auditorium has red velvet seats. On the ceiling painted by Eleuterio Pagliano, muses descend Olympus with crowns for artists. Curtains designed by Alessandro Sanquirico depict the volcanic death of Pliny the Elder.

Nicolo Paganini gave a virtuoso violin concert at the theatre in 1823. Franz Liszt performed his composition "The Serenade" and "The Orgy" there in 1837. The Social Theatre also has a famous outdoor stage called the "Arena." Closed in the 1960s, it re-opened in 2013 with a production of Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana."

Since 2012, every year in July, the entire city of Como is animated by the Como City of Music Festival (Festival Como Città della Musica) organized by the Social Theatre. Many international shows take place around the streets, from tango and swing ballets to African and Japanese traditional music concerts.