Gala Dinner

The original hall of the Palazzo Ducale, where the 400 nobles who decided the fate of the Republic once gathered, was destroyed in the devastating fire of 1777. On that occasion, the frescoes by Marcantonio Franceschini and Francesco Solimena, as well as the works of Tommaso Aldobrandini, were irretrievably lost.

The hall was sumptuously rebuilt in a triumph of stuccoes and Neoclassical furnishings designed by Simone Cantoni. The lunettes were decorated with The Battle of Meloria by Carlo Giuseppe Ratti (known as “il David”) and Leonardo Montaldo Freeing James of Lusignan, King of Cyprus by Giovanni Battista Tagliafichi. The ceiling decoration was entrusted to Giambattista Tiepolo, who painted the celebrated Glories of the Giustiniani Family. In 1875, Tiepolo’s masterpiece was replaced by Giuseppe Isola’s Allegory of Ligurian Trade, a tribute to the art in which the ancestors of Genoa had always excelled. 

At the far end of the hall, where the Doge’s throne once stood, two splendid statues can still be admired today: Justice, by Nicolò Traverso, and Fortitude, by Francesco Maria Ravaschio. 

The evening will be enriched, in keeping with the typical tradition of 19th‑century Genoese bourgeois soirées, by a short opera concert featuring music by Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti and Verdi, performed live by the artists.

Barbara Nervi – Soprano
Barbara Nervi graduated in singing with highest honors from the “N. Paganini” Conservatory of Genoa under the guidance of Gloria Scalchi, while also earning a degree in History at the University of Genoa. She continued her advanced training with soprano Eva Santana and took part in prestigious masterclasses, including the one held at the Cubec with Mirella Freni. Specializing in the opera repertoire, she has performed leading roles in numerous productions in Italy and abroad, while also devoting significant attention to sacred and Baroque music in collaboration with various early‑music ensembles. She was a finalist in the 4th and 6th editions of the International Competition “Ottavio Garaventa”.

Alessio Daga – Tenor
Born in Genoa in 1999, Alessio Daga pursues a dual career, combining his specialization in Neurology at the San Martino Hospital with an active opera career. He studies under the guidance of Barbara Bargnesi, after having trained with F. Callai and A. Cerretti. He has established international collaborations with the Chorus of the Teatro Regio di Parma, performing at the Chorégies d’Orange, in Kuala Lumpur and during Milan Fashion Week, as well as with the French Academy “Estivales de Puisaye”. Among his most significant solo debuts are Rossini’s Stabat Mater, the role of Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi (2024), and Aeneas in Dido and Aeneas (2026). He collaborates regularly with the choir of the German School of Genoa.

Angelo Parisi – Baritone
Born in Reggio Calabria, Angelo Parisi trained at the “F. Cilea” Conservatory, where he obtained his first‑level degree with highest honors and distinction. He is currently continuing his advanced studies in the two‑year program under the guidance of soprano Serenella Fraschini. Selected in 2019 as an additional baritone by the Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa, he has performed important solo roles including Tobias Mill and Norton in La cambiale di matrimonio, Don Bartolo in Il barbiere di Siviglia, Baron Duphol in La traviata, and Quinault in Adriana Lecouvreur, under the direction of Carlo Montanaro. He has collaborated regularly with the Coro Lirico Siciliano for the seasons at the Greek Theatre of Taormina, performing Cavalleria Rusticana and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, and has further enriched his training through masterclasses with Desirée Rancatore and Donata D’Annunzio Lombardi.

Franco Del Rocío – Bass
Franco Del Rocío began his musical training at the Conservatorio Nacional de Música in Lima with Maria Eloisa Aguirre. In 2010 he moved to the United States to continue his studies in Los Angeles with baritone Aram Barsamian and later in Florida, where he began his professional activity with Opera Tampa under the guidance of Giorgio Aristo. In 2021 he was admitted to the Verdi Academy of the Teatro Regio di Parma, where he further developed his repertoire under the mentorship of renowned opera figures such as Giovanna Casolla, Roberto de Candia and Barbara Frittoli. His solid international training makes him a versatile interpreter, capable of confidently covering the great bass roles of the opera tradition.

Danilo Dellepiane – Piano
Danilo Dellepiane graduated with highest honors from the “G. Verdi” Conservatory of Turin and continued his advanced training with Maestro Boris Petrushansky at the Accademia Ducale of Genoa. A versatile musician, he combines his activity as a pianist with that of organist, harpsichordist and saxophonist. A prizewinner in international competitions, he collaborates regularly with symphony orchestras, Baroque ensembles and big bands. He is a reference point as an accompanist for prestigious conservatories, international competitions and opera productions, performing for major concert societies and at leading festivals in Italy and across Europe.

Conference dinner tickets (95 euros) can be purchased directly within the registration form.  You'll be allowed to add them later or purchase them on-site, subject to availability.  Accompanying persons (spouses, partners) are allowed to attend. 

📅 Date: Tuesday 26 of May 2026  8:30  p.m.  CET
📍 Venue: Piazza Giacomo Matteotti 9

Secure your place and join us for a memorable night (seats are limited)!