Knoxville Opera’s Rossini Festival decks out downtown with free Italian Street Fair

Photo by News Sentinel archives

Crowds amass on Gay Street for a previous year’s Rossini Festival Italian Street Fair.

Photo by News Sentinel archives

Crowds amass on Gay Street for a previous year’s Rossini Festival Italian Street Fair.

For many people, opera can be a little stuffy. Not only are most lyrics sung in Italian, but at shows the audience must dress up, sit down, and keep very still in a confined space.

That's why the Knoxville Opera decided to hit the streets once a year. The Knoxville Opera Company's eighth annual Rossini Festival Italian Street Fair 2009 will block off a portion of downtown Knoxville and welcome all comers to loosen up, have some food and a beverage, and enjoy what the free festival is really about: opera.

"It's a really, really beautiful celebration of performing (arts) and artistic craft," said Brian Salesky, general director for the Knoxville Opera. "It's unique for an opera company to do such a thing."

While the opera festival may not be as expansive as Bonnaroo (no camping, please), Salesky said the festival will feature four outdoor stages running nine solid hours of entertainment from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 25, along Gay Street and Market Square. Performances will feature a range of fine arts, including ballet, modern and ethnic dance, choirs and jazz. And, of course, opera.

On top of that, the Italian Street Fair will feature more than 100 artisans and food vendors. Gay Street is transformed from a bustling city street into a vibrant European festival with, not only music and dance, but an upscale Artisans Market, with authentic Mediterranean food and beverages.

And don't think opera isn't for all ages. This year, Market Square is turning into the Kids' FunZone, which will be blocked off just for children, featuring music, games, and other entertainment.

But, what's new for adults?

Weather permitting, Salesky plans to bring the Knoxville Operas production of "Pagliacci" (Clowns) by Ruggiero Leoncavallo to the outdoor stage at 5:15 p.m. and perform 10 minutes of the opera. The full show will be at the Tennessee Theatre on Saturday April 25 at 6 p.m. and Sunday April 26 at 2:30 p.m. Knoxville Opera has never been able to bring the whole company to the outdoor street stages, added Salesky.

The outdoor show will offer an intriguing taste for audiences. The principal cast will perform in full costume, accompanied by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and Knoxville Opera Chorus. Mayor Bill Haslam will host the presentation.

"It will be a dream come true for me," said Salesky of the outdoor performance.

Salesky stressed the casual nature of the festival. He welcomes people to come hear the operas in the Tennessee and Bijou theaters dressed as they are. He advised attendees to wear walking shoes for the street fair, and noted that free parking will be available on State Street.

Salesky said that the festival is part of Knoxville Opera's education and outreach to the community to make opera available to everyone.

"It's challenging for us to break even because we don't charge," said Salesky, who said that people could donate to keep the festival going. "It's a gift we give to the community."

Stephen Woodward is a freelance contributor to the News Sentinel.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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