The first and only time that the Villa Torlonia theater hosted a public performance was in 1905. Today, after a complex restoration work funded by Roma Capitale, with the contribution of Italian tire company Pirelli, this architectural gem is finally returned to the city. The renovation work has transformed the complex into a space that works as both museum and theater.
A theater to visit and admire then, and to experience through theatrical residencies, meetings, performances and workshops.
The history of the Villa Torlonia theater dates back to 1841, when it was commissioned by Prince Alessandro Torlonia to celebrate his marriage to Teresa Colonna. In addition to scenic areas, side rooms for entertaining guests were built during private parties hosted by the prince. The architect Quintiliano Raimondi mirrored the eclectic taste of the time, with the mix of classic and stately elements, as well as Nordic, Gothic, Moorish and Greek ones. Almost all of the decorations of the theater were built by Constantine Brumidi, an artist who was little-known in Italy, but was famous in the United States where he frescoed the Capitol in Washington, earning him the nickname of “Michelangelo of America.”
On this windy evening of Ash Wednesday 26th February 2020, Luca Lione, a young and talented pianist whom I met some years ago in Sicily, invited us to attend his concert of romantic music.
The programme of his concert was very ambitious, either in the research of the quality or the virtuosity of the pianist himself !
Luca was just wonderfully expressive and his way of playing the piano renders his enthusiasm for music, the strength of his youth and the beauty of music. His Maestro, Vincenzo Marrone d’Alberti was so proud of him. Together with him, were Marquis Vincenzo Grisostomi Travaglini and Prince Giuseppe Grifeo di Partanna to congratulate very warmly our young artist.
Wishing all the best for the future of our young and handsome pianist….
Sisowath Ravivaddhana Monipong 