Website founded by Academic Member Massimiliano Massini - Graphic Design by Marco Tuveri
History of Theatre
The Accademia dei Rozzi decided to build its own theater in 1807 and entrusted the construction project to the architect Alessandro Doveri. However, the project presented was not favorably received, as it required significant modifications to the Academy's rooms.
The Rozzi then decided to purchase some premises adjacent to the Academy, located in Piazza S. Pellegrino, now Piazza Indipendenza. Work on the construction of the new theater began in 1815, under the guidance of Doveri, but with a different project.
In the spring of 1817, the inauguration of the new theater hall took place with a grand ball reserved for the members of the Academy. Four days later, the theater was opened to the public with the semi-serious libretto by Luigi Bonavoglia and music by the famous composer from Parma Ferdinando Paer "L’Agnese di Fitzenry". For this extraordinary occasion, an excellent company of singers was hired, among whom stood out Giuseppina Ronzi De Begnis, a Milanese soprano of international fame, much sought after by: Rossini, Donizetti, Mercadante. Among the other artists was also the Sienese Antonio Matteucci (bass).
Throughout the century, the Theatre hosted the greatest national “touring companies,” becoming a true temple of Italian drama.
Throughout the 19th century, various more or less significant renovations were carried out. In 1873, a new refurbishment of the Theatre was entrusted to Architect Corbi.
In this new guise, the Teatro dei Rozzi remained open until 1945, the year in which it was declared unfit for use due to damage sustained during the Second World War.
In 1985, for the first time, a constructive relationship was established between the Academy and the Municipality of Siena, which, within a few years, led to the signing of an agreement that allowed for the renovation and restoration of the Teatro dei Rozzi.
The procedures to actually start the construction site and to adapt the Theatre's design to the current fire prevention regulations were long and complex.
The renovation project was signed by Arch. Aldo Luchini and his brother Eng. Guido Luchini, thus starting the renovation works.
After the passing of Arch. Aldo Luchini and the subsequent resignation of his brother Eng. Guido Luchini in June 1996, the Board of Officials, chaired by Arcirozzo Dr. Mario Cerutti, entrusted the direction of the works and the task of modifying the project to Arch. Massimo Bianchini. By that date, almost all the supporting structures had been completed.
In the following 18 months of intense work, carried out almost entirely by Sienese workers and craftsmen, thus continuing the great artisan and artistic tradition of this extraordinary City, the internal and external works on the Theatre were completed.
The Teatro dei Rozzi was reopened to the public, completely restored, on May 29, 1998. That day, at 8:30 pm, one of the greatest actresses of the moment was the first to step onto the stage after fifty years: Pamela Villoresi who, together with Amanda Sandrelli, Blas Rocca Rey, Lorenzo Bozolo and Lorenzo Gioielli, performed "Novelle per Siena" by Gentile Sermini (a Sienese author from the 16th century) with music by Luciano Vavolo and directed by Maurizio Panici.
The following day it was the singer-songwriter Paolo Conte who accompanied the reopening of the Theatre with the songs from his "Soirée Mocambo".
Two evenings of great shows to celebrate the restoration of the Theatre after more than fifty years of closure.
As provided for in the agreement signed between the Municipality of Siena and the Accademia dei Rozzi, from that date, the management of the Theatre is the responsibility of the Municipality of Siena.
The Theater has a capacity of 499 seats: three tiers of boxes and an open balcony, and is able to host theatrical, musical activities and conferences. Other historical information link: "magazine no. 7"
Website founded by Academic Member Massimiliano Massini - Graphic Design Marco Tuveri