Naples celebrated San Carlo opera house is to undergo a vast three-year restyling operation. The first phase, involving the installation of air conditioning, as well as new seats and drapes for the stalls modelled on the original designs created in the 19^th century by the architect Antonio Niccolini, is due to be finished at the end of December 2008, in time for the opening of the 2009 season in January.

Restoration work will be carried out during the months of July and December 2008, 2009 and 2010, so that the normal opera season will not be interrupted.

The San Carlo was described by the writer Stendhal as the most beautiful theatre in the world and the restyling programme aims to fully respect the theatres historical and artistic heritage. The second phase of the work, in 2009, will involve technical innovations for the stage and backstage area. The final phase in 2010 will see repairs and restoration of the roof and the fażade.

The 2009 season will open on the 25 th January with Britten  Peter Grimes, directed by Jeffrey Tate. The programme includes prestigious appearances of orchestra conductors Riccardo Muti and Claudio Abbado, as well as La Scala etoile Roberto Bolle.

For information: Tel. (0039) 081/ 7972331 

 www.biglietteria@teatrosancarlo.it