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In 1974, the house was closed to complete renovations required by updated safety regulations, but cost over-runs, corruption, and political in-fighting all added to the delay and it remained closed for twenty-three years, finally re-opening on 12 May 1997, four days before its centenary. The opera
259:. This style required the use of natural thick stone, all of which was part of the structural design. The two very large bronze statues of lions sitting next to the theatre's monumental stairway entrance were created by Giovanni Rutelli's son, sculptor artist Sir
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which, under
Architect Giovanni Rutelli's technical and building direction, went from the foundations all the way up to the theatre's attic structures. He was also responsible for all the external decorations of the building. Rutelli initially designed a steam
251:(Giovanni's great-grandfather), they were considered to be among the most technically and artistically specialized experts in Sicily at that time, especially because of Mario Rutelli and his descendants' profound knowledge and experience in Ancient Greek/
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Construction started on 12 January 1874, but was stopped for eight years from 1882 until 1890. Finally, on 16 May 1897, twenty-two years after the laying of the foundation stone, the third largest opera house in Europe at the time — after the
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The Teatro
Massimo is the largest theatre in Italy. Basile was inspired by ancient and classical Sicilian architecture and, thus, the exterior was designed in the high neoclassical style incorporating elements of the Greek temples at
344:. Realized in the late-Renaissance style, the auditorium was planned for 3,000 people, but, in its current format, it seats 1,381, with 7 tiers of boxes rising up around an inclined stage, and shaped in the typical horseshoe style.
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Giovanni
Rutelli belongs to a very old and renowned Italian family of confirmed British Isles origin, a family which also includes architects and sculptor artists from the old Sicilian
129:. It is the biggest in Italy, and one of the largest of Europe (at the time of its inauguration, it was - with its area of 7730 m - the third largest opera house in Europe after the
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In recent years, "charges of corruption and political meddling…along with budget deficits and heavy debts" have plagued the house, but, under its then part-English music director,
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in
Palermo, worthy of the second biggest city in southern Italy (after Naples) and designed to promote the image of the city following the unification of Italy in 1861.
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Busts of famous composers were carved for the theatre by the
Italian sculptor, Giusto Liva (born in Montebelluna, Treviso in 1847) and several of his sons.
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school as well as building contractors, all entrepreneurs going back to the first half of the 18th century in
Palermo. Along with Architect D.
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as artistic advisors. Under
Carapezza Guttuso's leadership the theatre offered a varied programme including
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and
Alberto Machì (both founding members of the company) was contracted for the main construction of the
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2013-2014 was a two-year hiatus under the leadership of the comissario straordinario
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was announced by the
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and an increased ballet activity. The current intendant is the experienced
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540:"Palermo: Francesco Giambrone nominato sovrintendente del Teatro Massimo"
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machine which was then successfully able to lift large stone blocks and
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Giovanni
Battista Filippo Basile (1874–1880), Ernesto Basile (1891–1897)
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The opera house was designed, and overseen by the Italian architect
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During the restoration regular opera seasons were performed in
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165:. For many years there had been talk of building a large new
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was performed in 1998 while work in progress continued.
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The Rutelli and Machì Company, represented by Giovanni
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An international competition for the creation of the
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569:"In search of... The Godfather in Sicily"
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606:(including a virtual visit)
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125:. It was dedicated to King
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1038:Categories
1011:13°21′26″E
1008:38°07′13″N
480:References
275:, and the
137:, and the
960:La Fenice
857:Carisport
827:PalaDozza
822:Covo Club
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508:Opera Now
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234:columns
221:theatre
217:Rutelli
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96:Website
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41:Address
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80:Opened
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355:Aida
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