Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868), among the most acclaimed, adored and prolific Italian composers, created his first opera in his late teens. In 39 operas his “bel canto” style – sparkling melodies, delightful coloratura singing, brilliant love duets - earned him unbelievable fame, adulation and celebrity status all over Europe in his early twenties. His audience would go into frenzy with comic flair and famous “crescendo” and would demand numerous encores, so the performances would sometimes last 6 hours. Besides his love for music Rossini had another passion: he adored good food and good wine. 

This famous gourmand and wine connoisseur enjoyed partying, comfortable life and hosted many splendid dinners with drinks and dishes that he himself invented, like strawberry/champagne Cocktail Rossini and Tournedos Rossini.   So, it is no wonder that he connected his two passions and incorporated pleasure of enjoying food and drinks into his music. In this presentation we will see and listen to several arias where in elegant melodies and frenetic crescendo Rossini’s protagonists celebrate good life, good food and drinks.