A gondolier in Venice

The Venetian Gondolier: A centuries-old tradition

The image of a gondola gliding gracefully through the canals of Venice, steered by a gondolier in a striped shirt and straw hat, is one of the most iconic and enduring symbols of Italy. The profession of the gondolier is not just a job; it is a revered tradition passed down through generations, deeply intertwined […]

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Jacopo Peri and a later Dafne programme

On this day in history: Opera composer Jacopo Peri dies

Jacopo Peri, who died on 12th August 1633, was a seminal figure in the history of Western music. Often referred to as the “father of opera,” Peri’s work laid the foundation for an entirely new genre of music, blending dramatic narrative with musical expression. His most famous contribution, Dafne, is widely recognised as the first […]

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