The Valentino Garavani Theatre, located in the heart of Voghera, is an extraordinarily important pillar in the history and culture of the town. Originally known as the Teatro Sociale, this building is a silent witness to the artistic fervour that has characterised the town since the mid-19th century. Designed in 1836, the theatre was born from the strong desire of the citizens of Voghera to have a place of artistic and cultural interest, a beacon of culture destined to enlighten and enrich the life of the local community.
The grand opening of the Teatro Sociale took place on 18 April 1845 with a performance of I Longobardi alla prima Crociata, an opera by the famous composer Giuseppe Verdi. This event marked the beginning of a flourishing period for the theatre, which soon became a prestigious stage for numerous operas and internationally renowned artists. Among the composers whose operas were performed at the Teatro Sociale were such illustrious names as Verdi, Donizetti, Bellini, Puccini and Rossini, true pillars of Italian opera.
A particularly noteworthy episode in the theatre‘s history was the performance, in 1889, of a promising young Arturo Toscanini, just 22 years old, who conducted Aida with a mastery that foreshadowed the great conductor he would become. This performance not only helped consolidate the theatre‘s reputation, but also represented a springboard for Toscanini‘s career.
Despite its initial success, the Teatro Sociale experienced a period of decline during the 20th century. The loss of its cultural centrality became evident when the theatre was converted into a cinema, a change that marked the beginning of a series of structural changes and interruptions of activities. The period of the two world wars was a further blow for the institution, which had to face temporary closures and a reduction in cultural activities. In 1986, after years of difficulties, the theatre closed its doors for good.
The theatre‘s rebirth was a dream come true thanks to the commitment of the Municipality of Voghera. In 2018, the municipality acquired ownership of the theatre with the aim of returning a cultural venue of primary importance to the citizens. After almost 40 years of inactivity, on 26 November 2023, the theatre was reopened to the public under a new name: Teatro Valentino Garavani, in honour of the illustrious fashion designer from Voghera, internationally renowned for his contribution to fashion.
The opening ceremony of the new theatre was a prestigious event. For the occasion, an unprecedented opera entitled Un sera all‘opera con Valentino was performed, dedicated to the stylist and created by the étoile and director of the school of the Teatro dell‘Opera di Roma, Eleonora Abbagnato. This magical evening not only celebrated the theatre‘s return to the city‘s cultural life, but also symbolised a new era of artistic excellence.
The Valentino Garavani Theatre in Voghera is not just a physical location, but a symbol of cultural rebirth and civic pride. Its history, studded with successes and difficulties, reflects the resilience and passion of the Voghera community for art and culture. Today, with its renewed vitality, the theatre stands as a beacon of artistic excellence, ready to illuminate the city‘s cultural future with a rich and varied programme, destined to enchant and inspire new generations.
