Teatro Coccia, nestled in the heart of Novara, Italy, stands as a beacon of cultural heritage and artistic splendor. This grand opera house, one of the most significant historical theatres in Piedmont, is a testament to the city’s rich tradition in the performing arts. With its majestic architecture and storied past, Teatro Coccia offers a captivating journey through time for every visitor.
In the late 18th century, Novara was without a permanent theatre, with operatic performances often held in private venues such as noblemen’s rooms and courts. Casa Petazzi, equipped with a gallery and boxes, was the preferred location. The need for a dedicated theatre led Count Luigi Maria Torinelli and the Società dei Palchettisti (Society of Box Holders) to fund the construction of Teatro Civico, also known as Teatro Nuovo. Designed by Cosimo Morelli, the theatre opened its doors in 1779 with Giuseppe Sarti's opera Medonte re d'Epiro. The interior decorations, including the stage curtain depicting Hercules, were masterfully crafted by the Galliari brothers.
Despite its initial success, Teatro Nuovo faced competition from the newly established Teatro Sociale in 1853. Both theatres vied for prominence, with Teatro Sociale promoting young talents and Teatro Nuovo, later renamed Teatro Antico, hosting more established acts. In 1873, the theatre was renamed Teatro Coccia in honor of Carlo Coccia, a distinguished musician and director of the Civic Institute of Music Brera. The municipal council of Novara acquired both theatres in 1880, leading to the demolition of Teatro Nuovo in 1886 to make way for a new, grander opera house.
The new Teatro Coccia, designed by Milanese architect Giuseppe Oliverio, was a marvel of its time. Utilizing materials from the old theatre, the new structure occupied a significantly larger area and featured a different orientation. The entrance, now on via Fratelli Rosselli, welcomed visitors with a porch adorned with Doric columns of pink Baveno granite and a façade with large windows and Ionic columns. Inside, the horseshoe-shaped auditorium, surrounded by three orders of large boxes and a gallery, showcased Renaissance-style decorations with Corinthian cast-iron columns and a swan sculpture. Originally, the theatre could accommodate up to 1,800 people, though recent restorations have reduced its capacity to 918 seats.
The new Teatro Coccia was inaugurated on December 22, 1888, with Giacomo Meyerbeer's opera Les Huguenots, conducted by the renowned Arturo Toscanini. Despite a lukewarm reception, Toscanini's association with the theatre continued, conducting operas like Aida and La forza del destino by Giuseppe Verdi. The theatre also hosted the second version of Giacomo Puccini's Manon Lescaut in 1893 and numerous other significant performances, cementing its reputation as a cradle for emerging talent. Many artists who debuted at Teatro Coccia went on to achieve international fame, earning the theatre the moniker antechamber for the Teatro alla Scala from Corriere della Sera in 1932.
Throughout the 20th century, Teatro Coccia continued to attract illustrious names in the world of opera. Notable conductors like Gino Marinuzzi, Antonino Palminteri, and Arturo Lucon graced its podium, while celebrated singers such as Carmen Melis, Gilda Dalla Rizza, and Antonio Melandri performed on its stage. The theatre remained active even during the tumultuous 1940s, with Novara's own Guido Cantelli making his debut with Verdi's La traviata. In the following decades, stars like Renata Tebaldi, Mario Del Monaco, and Giuseppe Di Stefano enchanted audiences with their performances.
In 1986, the theatre underwent significant restoration, spearheaded by the municipality of Novara. The renovation aimed to restore the original colors and grandeur of the theatre, which had been altered in the 1920s and 1930s. The grand reopening in 1993 featured a concert by the La Scala Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Riccardo Muti, followed by a performance of Les Huguenots. Since then, Teatro Coccia has continued to host a variety of performances, maintaining its status as a cultural landmark.
Teatro Coccia is more than just a theatre; it is a living monument to Novara’s artistic heritage. Its walls echo with the voices of the past, and its stage continues to be a platform for both emerging talents and established stars. For anyone visiting Novara, a visit to Teatro Coccia is an unmissable journey into the heart of Italian opera and a celebration of the timeless beauty of the performing arts.
Get your Tickets now!
With myCityHunt you can discover thousands of cities around the world in exciting scavenger hunts, treasure hunts and escape games!
myCityHunt vouchers are the perfect gift for many occasions! Surprise your friends and family with this extraordinary event gift. myCityHunt gift vouchers are valid for 2 years from the date of purchase and can be used within this period for a freely selectable city and tour from the myCityHunt portfolio.
Buy Gift Vouchers
