CORALE VERDI

Founded in 1905 on the initiative of Maestro Eraclio Gerbella, who formed an initial male-only choir, the Corale Verdi di Parma aims to perpetuate the musical heritage of Verdi and opera. Located on the ancient Oltretorrente route and a few steps from the birthplace of Arturo Toscanini, its great admirer, the historic headquarters are housed in what were once the old stables of Maria Luigia’s court, now elegantly renovated.

Throughout its history, the choir has received prestigious awards: from success in national competitions (Verona, Trieste, Rome, Ferrara, etc.) to the International Choral Competition of the Verdi Centenary in 1913, to the receipt of several prizes, including the Golden Lion in Jesolo.

Great names in opera have performed and continue to perform with the Corale Verdi.
In 1954, the Association established the “Verdi d’Oro” award, initially called the “Medaglia d’Oro, premio Giuseppe Verdi” (Giuseppe Verdi Gold Medal Award). This prestigious award, which has a rich roll of honour featuring the biggest names in opera, is still awarded on 13 January on the feast day of Parma’s patron saint, Sant’Ilario.

In 1958, the Association launched an International Competition for young opera singers. The first winner was a very young Mirella Freni, followed by José Carreras, Katia Ricciarelli and other important voices.

Its ranks have produced choristers who have gone on to pursue professional careers and soloists such as Michele Pertusi, Luca Salsi, Marco Spotti, Enrico Iori, Armando Gabba and Paola Sanguinetti, who have become important performers on the international opera scene.

Even today, its choral groups: Corale Verdi, conducted by Maestro Claudio Cirelli, and Coro Voci Bianche e Giovanile della Corale Verdi, a veritable musical workshop that introduces children to choral singing, conducted by Maestro Niccolò Paganini, continue to pursue a vocation that combines tradition and innovation, cultivating a repertoire that ranges from opera to sacred and popular music.

Since 2019, for the first time in its long history, it has been led by a woman, President Enrica Valla.

The Association promotes outreach projects such as “Progetto Corale 2020”, “Progetto 27”, “A voce spiegata…l’Opera in Corale”, “Mangio l’Opera”, “Pomeriggi Musicali in Corale” and others, involving all ages from children to adults.

It is also involved in social projects, bringing its music to places of vulnerability such as retirement homes, the “Pietro Barilla” Children’s Hospital and the Palliative Care Unit.
For more information, please contact:
– Tel. 0521 1770797
– E-mail: info@coraleverdiparma.it
– Sito Web: https://www.coraleverdiparma.it/it/