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Beatboxers

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Possibly the most common question we are asked at is what entertainment are we able to provide that is “different” or “out of the ordinary” for a wedding or corporate event? It could be you need something unusual for a big birthday, corporate night out or an anniversary party, but you’ve hit a stumbling block. Well, without doubt one of the most exciting and unusual acts we can offer is the outstanding Beatboxers. You probably want the lowdown but firstly we can safely say that this beatboxers provide sublime entertainment, ideal if you’re searching for totally original artists for your wedding or big event. So take a very worthy risk and wave goodbye to traditional entertainment, blow your guests away with Beatboxers! At Red Masque we suggest you embrace something so cool and modern that we really guarantee you will surprise and thrill your wedding party with something completely individual and extra-special. If you love Hip Hop then you have to check out Beatboxers – they don’t need any props and by that we mean no drums, no bass, no guitar and no piano because they are completely reliant on making music using their… mouths.

If you didn’t know, Beatbox is a phenomenon derived from Hip Hop that has been around for the past decade if not more and it continues to grow rapidly in popularity. It is an art, the ability to make music just using your mouth itself is pretty impressive – if you try it yourself you will see it’s very difficult! The performers can create the sounds of drum beats and other musical noises just using voice, lips and tongue. Famous Beatboxers include Schlomo, Beatfox, Beardy Man and Base 6 who are in good company with Doug E Fresh.

There’s so many different ways Beatboxers can entertain your guests… you need to picture the scene but how about a dramatic wedding entrance to “Get Lucky”. They’re well practised too as their talent spans over years of performing. It’s a brilliant way to stop people in their tracks, and will delight children and adults alike, whatever age because the way they perform is remarkable, so much so, guests are left open mouthed. Their set is incredible, full of energy and tremendous fun. If you want to know what type of songs they cover, well, you can make special requests for example Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” and “Talk Dirty” by Jason Derulo not to mention Pharrel’s “Happy” to name a couple of excellent tracks. 

How about surprising your Bride, Groom or other party member with a blast from a Beatboxers talent? Conveniently, sets range from 3 x 20 minute sets to one hour long set or 2 x half hour slots. Imagine the beatboxers bursting through the doors of your venue and striding through while beatboxing “The One” (Swedish House Mafia) on their way to the Bride to serenade her in their unique style – you can’t beat that for cool! Or before you introduce the Disco or band let them warm up the revellers – they may even teach you one or two of their ingenious techniques.

One thing’s for sure, Beatboxers add some extra entertainment to your wedding or special event and you’ll be beatboxing clever.

Plan your New Year’s Eve party now!!

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New Year’s Eve – a great excuse for you to invite the friends and family around, indulge in some more drinks and snacks, and celebrate a fresh start. Don’t worry if you haven’t sorted out any entertainment for the evening yet, there is still time to book and there are plenty of interesting acts for you. Take a look at our top 10 last minute ideas for your New Year’s Eve party entertainment.

1. Caricaturists

If you’re staging a party this New Year’s Eve, then a caricaturist can really help to break the ice between people that may not know each other. Generally a caricaturist can draw 10-15 caricatures in an hour, making this a good choice for crowd entertainment. Caricaturists are also great if you’re on a tight budget as they normally provide their own drawing materials and any drawings done on the night are free for your guests to take home, making your event personal and memorable.

2. Magicians

Magicians are another great ice-breaker for large events, but also very versatile and can perform at much smaller events for New Year’s Eve. Magic might look amazing on television, but there is nothing like seeing live magic being performed right in front of your eyes. Close-up magic is great to get guests actively involved and keep them amused during the quieter times of your event.

3. Balloon Modellers

I bet you never thought that would be on the list! Balloon modellers are great value for money and it is amazing the type of things they can produce for you! They can make balloons tailored to the theme of you event, and are even happy to teach guests how to twist balloons themselves. This is a unique form of entertainment that is suitable for all ages.

4. Pianists

Of course, New Year’s Eve events can be very classy, requiring some sophisticated entertainment. A Pianist is a really good option if that’s the type of event you have in mind this year. Most pianists are happy to discuss set lists with you in order to create the type of show you are after. Live music adds that extra spark to any event, especially New Year’s Eve when your guests are expecting to see the year out with a bang.

5. Rat Pack Singers

Rat Pack singers cover all the greats, from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Tony Bennet, to more modern music from Michael Buble. This is a great entertainment option if you want to entertain all ages for New Year’s Eve, and Rat Pack singers can be hired as solo acts or with a band.

6. String Quartets

Another classical option for your New Year’s event, but still able to adapt to your theme! String quartets are a good option if you are on a tight budget but want that big band effect. Most quartet groups have options for trio, duo, or solo performances too, so it’s always worth asking for other options. Some quartets even boast electric instruments which can make the show even more impressive.

7. Harpists

From classical to contemporary music, jazz tunes or musical show favourites, a harpist is an extremely versatile act. If you think a harpist is just for a wedding, don’t be fooled! Harpists can play more modern music to incorporate into the theme of your New Year’s event. Although harps look like large instruments, a harpist will only need about 2 meters squared to perform, so even if your event is a bit smaller you could still hire a harpist. Take a look at Red Masques’ directory of harpists if you feel like a more sophisticated form of entertainment for your New Year’s bash!

8. Saxophonists

The saxophonist is one of the most vibrant acts you could hire for your New Year’s event. They can play along to high quality backing tracks or as a soloist. Often concentrating on jazz, funk, and soul, our saxophonists are also keen to discuss more modern song choices with you to help make your New Year’s Eve event a hit. A saxophonist can also be a really good accompaniment if you plan to have a sit-down meal at your event.

9. Dancers

There are numerous dance groups across the UK who can perform for New Year’s Eve parties. Dancers can perform meet and greet sets, or produce a choreographed show to wow your New Year’s Eve guests! Various themes are available such as; Can-can, Moulin Rouge, Cheerleading, 1920s, Las Vegas, Bollywood, Street dance, Hula, Hawaiian, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Broadway, Arabian Nights, Wild West, James Bond, and burlesque. Most dance groups will perform along to music from a CD, so all you would need to do is provide the sound system and you have the perfect New Year’s Eve entertainment!

10. Vintage Singers

If you fancy a singer but you are looking for something a little bit different for your spectacular New Year’s Eve event, look no further. A vintage singer could be the right act for you!  has many solo vintage singers, duos, trios and bands. Vintage acts can perform traditional vintage songs, wartime songs, or more modern songs in a vintage jazzy style – it’s entirely up to you! Most vintage acts will also have a range of themed costumes available to wear if you are going for a full-on themed party.

From caricaturists, to burlesque dancers, to classical pianists, there are plenty of entertainment options for New Year’s Eve that you may not have already thought of. Just remember to book quick as time is running out!

The Ultimate Photo Booth

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Photo Booths are increasing in popularity for corporate events, parties and weddings

Many of the newlywed’s friends posted their pictures online which showcased the private bash in all its festivities.  And you can capture all of your memories too with your very own photo booth.

What is the background?

Try to hire a photo booth with Greenscreen technology. 

This allows your guests to have various backgrounds to have their pictures taken in front of, and offers you much more flexibility in terms of the fun photos you can capture. 

How many backgrounds are available to you to play around with? At Red Masque for example, all our photo booths advertised have the following Greenscreen technology for example;

Wonders of the world

Tropical

Hollywood

Wild West

Is there a video recording facility?

Some photo booths allow you to video record as opposed to just take pictures. This is fantastic at weddings to allow your guests to leave ‘Congratulations’ messages but they are also ideal for corporate events for staff to leave feedback and testimonials.

How big is the photo booth?

In our experience, we have found that as the drinks starts flowing and the festivities begin, many party guests all want to cram into a photo booth at once for a big group picture. How many people can you fit into the booth? 

What kind of props are available?

Photo booth hirers offer a great prop box with everything from inflatable guitars and glasses to bows, boa feathers and much more. When hiring your photo booth, make sure you know what kind of props are included for your guests to have fun dressing up in. 

How can you get the pictures?

How many images do you get of the event, when do you get them and in what format? 

Red Masque photo booth hirers provide a disc of all the images but we can also supply a photo album in which guests can leave written messages too. They also provide the disk of videos in their video booth package after the event.

 

Finally, is there suitable access?

One of the most fundamental aspects of hiring a photo booth which you need to clarify is will it fit on your premises? 

There needs to be suitable access requirements, especially when moving the equipment through doorways and corridors. Is there a stairway or lift access? 

Make sure you find out all the size dimensions and the power supply needed. Can you physically hire a photo booth? 

Allow your staff to give honest feedback at your next corporate event, utilise it as part of a team building party or capture the perfect memories of your wedding with our help. 

Enquire today about this exhilarating, unique entertainment idea. The photographs are an excellent reminder of your fun-filled day!

Top Tips on Getting the Best Out Of Your Wedding Entertainment

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After the wedding dress, your wedding entertainment is the next thing your guests will remember about your wedding, so make sure their memories are good ones!

Don’t go cheap! Professional entertainment is like any other service… you get what you pay for. Remember if you pay peanuts you will get monkeys.

Booking a Band, DJ or Photo Booth just because they give you the cheapest quote, very rarely has a happy ending. Red Masque receive calls regularly from brides who have been let down by their entertainment supplier, often this is less than a week before the big day. You don’t want that worry for the sake of sometimes only a couple of hundred pounds.

Make sure you have a contract, which clearly states what their price includes. This contract should clearly state: arrival, start, performance and finish times and if you are booking a musical entertainer, make sure you know if they will be supplying the speakers and lights and any other necessary equipment for the performance.

Insurance! Anyone you book (even a non-musical entertainer should have public liability insurance. If they don’t, you run the risk of the venue not allowing them to perform. Check with your venue how much cover they will need, most venues will ask for cover between £2,000,000 – £5,000,000 some larger more prestigious venues will ask for cover up to £10,000,000.  This we may add is very important.

Find out what system they have in place if a member of the act is unable to perform. We all get ill from time to time and are unable to do our job. Most professional acts have ‘substitute’ performers in place can step in at short notice to replace the missing performer.

If you’re booking a band, choose one that will try and suit everybody’s musical tastes. You may be the biggest fan of heavy metal and plan to mosh on the dance floor all night long, but the chances of older guests wanting to listen to this is slim! By just choosing a band according to your own tastes, you may end up with a very quiet dance floor. Instead you may want to consider choosing entertainers who can play some of the music you love but also a mixture of classic floor fillers. We like to call these bands ‘Versatile Function Bands’.

Do look after your entertainer(s) to enable them to put on a better show. For an evening performance a band will typically arrive at around 5.30pm to set up and are not usually on the road again until after 1.00am. That’s a minimum of 7 ½ hours at your venue, not to mention the time it took them to get there and the time it will take them to get home.

A basic hot meal, soft drinks and a room to get changed in and chill-out in when they are not performing can make the world of difference to any hard working performer. No one can work to their full potential on an empty stomach or look their best by getting changed in their car. If you want to get the best out of your entertainers, treat them (almost) like they are a guest.

Check the minimum stage size that the entertainer(s) needs to perform. Stage areas that are the wrong size can cause problems for many performers and can sometime mean they cannot perform to their full potential.

How to attract more visitors to your event

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One of the smartest ways to attract visitors in a trade show and convert them from prospects to sales and, consequently, loyal followers, is to have a magician on your stand! In fact, it has been evidenced that live entertainment and demonstrations comprise a powerful and highly effective marketing tool that help engage visitors in an exhibition hall. That aside, Magicians that perform a bespoke presentation can successfully communicate your brand’s messages and goals in the most fun, interactive, and engaging way. Ideal when product recognition and identification is the need!

What do you want when participating in a trade show or exhibition? Make the difference. Stand out from your competitors. Let the world know of your amazing product or service. Boost your sales. Inform. The list of objectives could be long, but bottom line, you want recognition and an unbeatable way people will remember you by. Then, the road is open for more aggressive marketing; marketing that will increase your revenue and help you create a database of loyal clients, who will refer you to others. Trade Show Magicians can achieve exactly that for you. It really is amazing how much you can accomplish with just a few inches of space on the edge of your stand!

In a nutshell, with Magicians you can:

  • Attract three times more people to your stand.
  • Keep your prospects warm when your sales team is busy, minimising the number of lost leads.
  • Create brand awareness and promote your corporate image.
  • Entertain your existing clients.

Engage and Inform prospects in a fun way that doesn’t feel like a struggle to promote your company and make a sale.

Boost your sales (guaranteed)

To encourage mingling, start the party off with some exciting party entertainment. This is a particularly good time to break the ice in those awkward moments when you have only just met other guests and family for the first time. Chosen Events can supply you with something completely unexpected, such as a magician, fortune teller, celebrity lookalikes, or a caricaturist. Guests will be drawn together to discuss what is going on, which will get them interacting with each other.

If you choose caricaturists, it also creates the opportunity to send your guests home with a truly unique party favour.

Whether you are planning a Private Party, Wedding, Prom, Bar Mitzvah, or Corporate Event, you can’t go wrong by hiring a live band. While it’s true that most guests are content with a party DJ, anyone who has ever attended a party with a live band will tell you that it made the night so much better. In fact, it is not unusual for guests or even the person the party is honouring to admit that a live band is what made the night truly unforgettable.

After all, live party bands will get your guests excited and pumped up. While not everyone likes to dance, even the most ardent anti dancer won’t be able to stop themselves when a great live band is performing classic and modern party songs.

Staying ahead of the game

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Event planners need to stay ahead of the game when booking entertainment to ensure that their event is fresh, talked about (for the right reasons!) and most of all, impresses all the right people. 

To assist event planners in choosing fresh and unique entertainment, we have compiled a list of Top 10 entertainment ideas for the here and now. As well as being unique and exciting, we are predicting that these acts will be hugely sought after for events this year!

DJ’ing & VJ’ing

Simultaneously mixing music and visuals, this concept really is the future of club-style entertainment. Bringing music to life, this entertainment option can also add a social media element that allows guests to tweet their requests! The DJ can also include logos, videos and company visuals, making this the ideal entertainment for corporate events and launch parties! 

IPad Magician

For technology and gadget lovers/events, iPad magicians are the perfect act to amaze and entertain your guests. IPad magicians perform bespoke shows that include, of course, magic and the use of an iPad! This is entertainment for the digital age, and many high profile brands and events are eager to experience this unique brand of magical entertainment.

LED Dance shows

LED dance shows are proving to be a big hit so far this year, as event planners strive to find acts and performers that are unique and have added ‘wow factor’. LED dance shows are currently much sought after for launches, corporate events and concerts as they offer high tech entertainment that can include logos. 

This entertainment option takes the urban dance act (so popular for the last few years thanks to shows like the ‘Got Talent’ franchise) to the next level! 

Aroma DJ

They say that smells trigger memories right? Well why not ensure your guests remember your event with an aroma DJ! Using an ‘aroma laboratory’, these new and exciting DJs mix a blend of oils, incense and real pheromones; “controlling the vibes of the dancefloor by mixing a seamless blend of scents!” 

Some of the celebrities/brands that have experienced this “journey through the world of fragrance” include Isabella Rossellini, Vogue and Christian Dior. Great alternative entertainment for product launches, club nights and festivals!

 

Motion capture – animated digital character

Bringing technology to life for trade shows, conventions and exhibition events! Using the latest technology of pre-programmed motion capture, an actor controls the animated character allowing full audience interaction! 

Motion capture acts offer a choice of existing animated characters to choose from, or the option to create a bespoke animation if required. This is a must-have for technology related events or for those that are looking for modern entertainment that will impress audiences.

Shadow Performers

As seen on the most recent series of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, this new and exciting form of entertainment is predicted to be hot this year! Shadow shows are, of course, part shadow act, part dance and part circus. 

This entertainment option, in its current form, originated in the US and uses projected images and front-of-screen choreography to amazing effect! Ideal for product launches and other events, this is definitely one to watch this year!

Urban Street Entertainment

Urban street entertainment has been experiencing a surge in popularity over recent years thanks to talent competition-style shows like ‘America’s Got Talent’ or Sky One’s ‘Got to Dance’. But new forms of urban street performance are evolving to keep up with demand for new and unique entertainment that has added ‘wow factor’. Urban Street entertainment that is fresh and exciting, or is predicted to be big this year:

• Beatboxers who perform with an instrument (i.e. harmonica, flute etc.), performing up-tempo music that is combined with beatboxing and covers a range of genres from classical to movie soundtracks!

• Martial arts moves combined with urban street dance and ‘tricking’ (for those not in the know, ‘tricking’ is a kind of extreme sport where the performers do artistic flips and kicks). This entertainment option is great for launches, festivals, event openings and corporate events.

• Mixed urban dance and percussion groups whose shows include original, high-energy music (performed on everyday items like garbage cans and ladders) and choreography, as well as Cirque Du Soleil Style Acrobat’s and Gymnastics, Silk Aerialist’s, Jumping Boot Air Men and Contortionist’s! Be warned though: this show contains serious ‘wow factor’. 

IPad Caricaturist

Pen and paper is so last century! This year’s hot new thing is iPad caricaturists who will draw guests on handheld devices that can be printed, emailed or posted to social media sites instantly! 

Popular as walk-around entertainment for corporate events, parties and weddings; or to help increase footfall at trade shows and conventions. Brands using iPad caricaturists include Google and Apple.

 

3D Laser Man

A popular entertainment option for the first quarter of 2013, these futuristic shows push the boundaries of new 3d laser technology to great effect. Beams of light are manipulated and logos and images can also be incorporated into the show for corporate events. Brands using 3D laser man include Ferrari, Hyatt Hotels and IBM.

Vertical Performance Team

This is a unique and exciting entertainment option that will take high-profile launches and special events to dizzying new heights! Vertical performance shows offer something a little out of the ordinary; how about a troupe of acrobats who perform aerial routines whilst dangling from the side of a high-rise building?

These acts will thrill audiences with vertical spectacular productions and outstanding live shows!

Have some BBQ fun

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The sun is shining; the radio is turned up to full volume and the smell of BBQ’s start to fill the summer air.

The BBQ Party season has started. That’s when you know it’s time to bring out the BBQ and host your own party. But why not make your BBQ party unique and fun by incorporating some BBQ Party Ideas in the form of entertainment and games throughout the day and evening.

Underneath are a few simple ideas to make your BBQ party the highlight of the summer.

BBQ Party Entertainment 

 BBQ Party Games

Become a child again at your BBQ party by hiring some large outdoor games such as giant jenga, archery, giant connect 4 and even twister. This will keep your guests entertained throughout the BBQ party and will give them a chance to mix and mingle as well. Giant games are such an easy and effective style of entertainment that will definitely make your BBQ party the talk of the street. Other BBQ Party ideas could include bouncy castles, rodeo, or even bubble machines.

BBQ Drinks Delight

Beverages at a BBQ party are of high importance. Here are some BBQ party ideas to make your catering that little something different. To save you money and time ask your guests to bring their own drink. Or try out the new craze sweeping across the nation relating to beverage catering at BBQ parties, your very own Cocktail artist and bar. Hire a cocktail artist to greet your guests with some freshly made cocktails at your BBQ party. You could even name the cocktails to fit in with your summer BBQ. Trust me when I say this… you and your guests will love sipping on a cold cocktail in the warm sunshine.

BBQ Party Music

Every BBQ party needs music. But sometimes a playlist being played on a MP3 player can be quite monotonous and played out. So why not put that extra spark (pun intended) into your BBQ party and hire a musician or a DJ. A classical guitarist would create the perfect atmosphere at your BBQ party and give it that extra wow factor… seriously, how many BBQ’s have you been to with a professional guitarist playing just for you. Not many, so get on it. Also hire a local DJ to provide the evening music, this gives you the chance to mingle with your guests knowing that the music is in safe hands.

 BBQ Party Ideas – Extra Tips

. Send invites 2 weeks before the BBQ party
. Make a note of any special dietary requirements
. Ensure you have all necessary equipment (plates, cups, cutlery, BBQ!!)
. Purchase the food the day before the BBQ party and prep as much as you can.
. Overall, have fun, smile and enjoy your party!

So kick off the summer season in style with a fun and lively BBQ party. Take some inspiration from our BBQ Party Ideas and enjoy the long evenings with your closest friends and family. Summer won’t last forever so if you’re going to have a BBQ party, have it in style. 

Restaurant Entertainment

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Ideas can be a necessity when either opening a restaurant, having a themed night in a restaurant or to just attract new customers to your restaurant. So choosing the perfect entertainment is vital. Restaurant Entertainment can be quite tricky as it has to create the right ambience. If you want a band or musician, be aware that the music can’t be too loud or your customers will not be able to speak amongst each other, and well that would be awkward. Also make sure your entertainment fits into your venue you don’t want to hire a big 6 piece live jazz band, to only squeeze them into a corner so ask the and how much space they need and work it into your restaurant layout. If you want dancers outside the restaurant building as your entertainment firstly make sure you are allowed. There are some rules and regulations surrounding having dancers on a street, especially if you have hired fire dancers. So always just double check what you are and aren’t allowed. Better being safe than sorry. 

1. Live Band- Whether your band range from a 2 piece to an 8 piece, live bands are a great source of entertainment. Your customers will love listening to some smooth jazz, or even some modern hits played live in the background. Having a live band may also keep your customers at the restaurant after they have had their dinner. Offer them a seat at the bar, where they can order more drinks and listen to the band, even dance to the band if they wish.

2. Solo musicians. Give your restaurant that classical elegant and sophisticated feeling by having a solo musician play beautiful music in the corner of the restaurant. You could choose from a solo saxophonist, a solo classical guitarist or the beautiful sounds of the piano. All would suit any restaurant as this style of music is pleasing to most people.

3. Dancers – Dancers can really bring your restaurant to life with the vibrant colours, the fast paced music and of course the exciting dance moves. Have your dancers situated outside the restaurant building to make your customers experience start from when they literally walk in the door. Plus, think of the exposure you will get from the public taking photos with your restaurant logo behind.

4. Fun Casino – Attract your customers by hiring a fun casino in your restaurant. The Fun Casino is a great source of entertainment as it is interactive. The casino tables will be set up around your restaurant with professional croupiers explaining and dealing each game. The Fun Casino gives your guests the opportunity to mix and mingle and will also keep your customers inside your restaurant. Why not add in a live jazz band to really bring a Las Vegas theme together.

5. Magicians – Magicians are great restaurant entertainment as they can meet and greet your guests. The magician can also walk around and do some table magic which your customers would thoroughly enjoy. It also means they would not have to move about much and can enjoy the entertainment from the comfort of their own table with their family and friends.

If you choose Restaurant Entertainment you will most definitely see your customers happier and even your staff happier. It will bring a new lease of life into your restaurant and should attract some new customers. So give restaurant entertainment ago, you never know what it could do for your business.

Give a little more thought on the venue…

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Planning a special event is exciting- and more than a little rough on the nerves. For the love of God, you never want your event to be remembered for the ‘AWFUL venue, entertainment, food, atmosphere etc.’

You’ve already found great entertainment. But finding the right entertainment venue is one of the more traditionally tricky aspects of party planning. In the interests of making that process a little less fraught, here are a few tips to help you make the best decision.

Consider the season. You may have the absolute perfect venue in mind, but if it’s most charming features can only be enjoyed in warmer weather, and you’ve got a February event, keep looking.

Can the venue accommodate the kind of entertainment you have in mind? Do they have in-house tech people to set up the stage, or will the performers need to bring all their own equipment and tech people?

Is the venue relatively convenient for the majority of the guests? Of course, for special occasions most people don’t mind going a bit out of their way, but you don’t want your guests to become mired in complex travel arrangements- unless you’re prepared to organise and pay for it all, of course!

Is the venue actually available at the time you have in mind? Many first time party planners mistakenly believe that a couple of months-notice is more than enough. Very popular venues, however, can be booked out in peak months well over a year in advance. Before you get too carried away with the planning, ensure your venue of choice is actually available.

The beginnings of Opera…

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Find the best Opera singers and performers available for hire in the UK today. From solo artists to a large scale celebration of classical music. Enjoy the perfect assortment of arias from the world’s most famous operas such as Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro” and Verdi’s “La Traviata” to perfectly complement your event.

Opera was born in Italy at the end of the 16th century. A group of Florentine musicians and intellectuals were fascinated by Ancient Greece and opposed to the excesses of Renaissance polyphonic music. They wanted to revive what was thought to be the simplicity of ancient tragedy. In the first operas (400 years ago), the intention was to make music subservient to the words. They were made up of successive recitatives with a small instrumental accompaniment, punctuated by musical interludes. After Florence and Rome, Venice rapidly became the centre of opera, where the first commercial opera house opened in 1637, thus making the art form accessible to a wider public. Opera soon spread throughout Europe, and in 1700 Naples, Vienna, Paris and London were major operatic centres.

In Italy, the voice remained predominant. The bel canto tradition went on, combined with opera buffa characters and themes. Examples are Rossini’s The Barber of Seville (1816), Bellini’s Norma (1831) or Donizetti’s The Love Potion, 1832). Giuseppe Verdi was the last great Italian composer of the 19th century. In a passionate and vigorous style, he wrote pieces which allied spectacular show and subtle emotions (La Traviata, 1853, Aïda, 1871).

The 20th century: the rise of individuals;
The beginning of the 20th century continued the trends of the late 19th. Puccini was the last great Italian composer, who wrote among others Tosca (1900), Madam Butterfly (1904) and Turandot (1926). Other famous operas of the time were Pelleas and Melisande by Debussy (1902), Salome by Strauss (1905), and The Cunning Little Vixen by Janacek (1924).

Later, individual works rather than general trends appeared. Alban Berg’s operas (Wozzeck, 1925, Lulu, 1937) contrasted with Kurt Weill’s works, inspired from jazz and other popular music (The Threepenny Opera, 1928). Benjamin Britten composed ‘traditional’ operas like Peter Grimes (1945), but also chamber operas.

The 21st century: a score still to be written…
Today, the operatic offer is more varied than ever. Staging and settings have become key elements of new productions. The great pieces of the repertoire are repeatedly reinterpreted and still very successful. They are presented next to new contemporary operas and earlier rediscovered works. In this way, opera is in permanent evolution, for the enjoyment of the widest public.