VINCENZO BELLINI was born in Catania in 1801 and died in 1835. He developed, along with Donizetti and Rossini, the ‘bel canto’ (beautiful singing) style of operatic composition that influenced many composers, including the great piano composers, Chopin, Schumann, and Liszt, who used the melodious, cantabile “bel canto” style in their compositions for piano. Bellini is truly the king of melody and Italian Bel Canto style.

BELLINI OPERA was founded by opera enthusiast, Roslino Lo Duca, a native of Cinisi in the province of Palermo, out of his deep love for the Sicilian customs and language and his passion for the music of Vincenzo Bellini. Dino Valle, co-founder of BELLINI OPERA, with more than 35 years of operatic experience, has founded the Italian Opera Co, The Verdi Opera Theatre of Michigan, The Statue of Enrico Caruso Society, the Dearborn Opera, and the SWF Italian Opera Society.   Mr. Valle feels privileged to be a part of the inauguration of BELLINI OPERA, and is looking forward to presenting many concerts and recitals to new operatic audiences.

THROUGH A SERIES OF CONCERTS recitals, lectures and other out-reach programs in Michigan and Florida, BELLINI OPERA hopes to foster the enjoyment of operatic music for today’s audiences. Mr. Lo Duca intends to extend these concerts in a multicultural exchange between the United States and Sicily, with artists sharing the joy of music, bel canto and opera.

Pianist and Music/Artistic Director: Jacqueline Csurgai-Schmitt

Sopranos, Karin White, Kimberly Swan and Eva Evola,

Mezzo Soprano, Lisa Agazzi, and

Baritone and Co-Founder, Dino Valle