"The history of the choir goes back to the 19th century, a period of intense and refined activity.
The first news about a stable vocal ensemble at the San Carlo Theatre dates back to the third decade of last century, when Maestro Giuseppe Papa (then changed into Papi in the USA) after the success enjoyed at the Scala in Milan, in Madrid and at the Colon of Buenos Aires, decided to settle in Naples again (he was in Naples at the beginning of his career) and created an excellent choir in a very short time.
The choir will not be a regular presence in the theatre until the 1951-52 season, giving prestige to the theatre opera seasons and keeping alive a tradition that had always been important for Naples.
The chronicles of 19th century already reported, even if without specifying names or details, of an intense and refined choral activity at the theatre. In 1820 Die Schöpfung by
Haydn was staged, and in 1983 the audience could see La damnation de Faust; both works have recently been the object of the choir’s interest. In particular, two artists have made the history of the theatre’s choir in the last 50 years: Michele Lauro and Giacomo Maggiore.
Michele Lauro was Maestro of the choir for over 20 years starting form 1951;
Giacomo Maggiore directed the choir for almost the same length of time, until 1994. Before them, even if not regularly, the choir was often directed by
Roberto Benaglio, prestigious director, famous at the Scala and the Staatsoper of Vienna
More recently renowned directors followed one after the other:
José Luis Basso,
Andrea Giorgi,
Martino Faggiani,
Francesco Pareti,
Luigi Petrozziello and
Fausto RegisFrom December 2001 to May 2004 Maestro of the choir was Ciro Visco, after him Carmelo Columbro until October 2005, when
Marco Ozbic took over.
The choir is currently directed by
Salvatore CaputoChoir DirectorSalvatore Caputo Choir MembersMembers
