Dear Friends,
We are pleased to look back on our most recent conference and to announce our next event, which will be dedicated to one of the leading figures in 20th-century vocal music.
Rossini Naples” – April 23, 2026
We welcomed Swiss musicologist Paul-André Demierre to Geneva for the first time for a lecture on Rossini’s Neapolitan period.
The nine operas composed for the Teatro San Carlo were presented and brought to life musically with great finesse. The speaker also discussed Composer arrival Composer Naples at the urging of the impresario Barbaja, as well as his relationship with Isabella Colbran, his muse and leading performer, to whom Rossini a role in each of his Neapolitan works.
Entertaining anecdotes and insights into local customs offered a fresh look at Naples in the early 19th century.
We are particularly pleased to note that the speaker has chosen to illustrate his remarks with audio and video clips performed by artists who are members of our Honorary Committee:
Jennifer Larmore, Chris Merritt, and Samuel Ramey.
A way to highlight the special bond between Helvetia Lyrica and exceptional artists.
Upcoming lecture: “Renata Tebaldi, Callas’s Rival?” –
June 25, 6:30 p.m., Gammah Hall
We are delighted to welcome back Paul-André Demierre for a lecture on Renata Tebaldi, who is all too often reduced to an artificial rivalry with Maria Callas.
Described by Arturo Toscanini as “an angel’s voice,” Tebaldi led a career guided by taste, musicality, and exemplary artistic integrity. The speaker, author of *Renata Tebaldi: An Exceptional Artist*, will discuss her career, her vocal style, and the reality—or lack thereof—of this now-legendary rivalry.
As always, attendance at the conference is free of charge thanks to our generous sponsors, but given the limited seating, registration is recommended. The discussion with the speaker will continue over dinner (at an additional cost).
You can register for the conference and dinner using the form on the page below:
👉 Link to the registration form
Support Helvetia Lyrica
Helvetia Lyrica is an independent initiative dedicated to preserving the operatic heritage.
Your support helps:
- Organizing conferences and cultural events
- The arrival of international artists and musicologists
- The development of educational projects
- Celebrating a unique musical heritage
Becoming a patron means joining a human endeavor dedicated to preserving a universal heritage, receiving exclusive invitations, and directly contributing to the promotion of opera for future generations.
Thank you for your loyalty
Your presence, support, and enthusiasm make it possible for Helvetia Lyrica to continue its mission.
Patrick Motisi
Founder & Chairman
