Italy – world famous for its architecture, culture, art, opera, literature, film, fashion, tradition, technology, innovation, food and wine, and of course, music. Felix Mendelssohn travelled to Italy in 1830, starting in Venice and, over the next 10 months, worked his way south to Rome, stopping in Bologna and Florence along the way, and then to Naples and Pompeii before returning to Germany through Genoa and Milan. He was a decent amateur painter and recorded his impressions of the trip in a series of watercolours and sketches and, of course, his famous ‘Italian’ Symphony. Opening with a burst of sound – a jubilant string melody accompanied by woodwinds – the symphony is a testament to supreme joy in life, and is one of the most uplifting and joyous pieces ever written.
Puccini reinvented grand opera on an intimate, human scale, painting the lives of everyday people through music of exquisite and timeless beauty, with arias that speak directly to the heart. Soprano Camilla Wright will perform Vissi d’arte from Tosca and O mio babbino caro from Gianni Schicchi plus Casta Diva by Bellini.
Then it’s off to Naples, city of artists, poets and great passions and songs, songs that speak of love, sea, stars, hearts and longing. O Solo Mio! Plus more instrumental music from Rossini, Respighi, Mascagni, Rimsky-Korsakov and Rota (this is an offer you can’t refuse).
2:30pm | 29 March 2026 | Gosford Regional Library Auditorium, Donnison St, Gosford
Tickets – Viva Italia
Central Coast Conservatorium of Music is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW and the NSW Department of Education.
Did you know Central Coast Conservatorium of Music is a registered not-for-profit organisation? We are funded by lesson fees, sponsorship and donations, with additional funding from the NSW Government.
© 2026 Central Coast Conservatorium of Music. ABN 17 615 618 823
Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Site by Symbiosys
The Central Coast Conservatorium of Music acknowledges the Darkinyung people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we stand in Gosford. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and celebrate their enduring connection to Country, culture and community.
We honour the rich musical traditions and creative innovations of First Nations people, who songs and stories have shaped this land for millennia, inspiring us to foster creativity and cultural expression through music.
