So named because it rose like a phoenix from the ashes of its predecessor, La Fenice has been destroyed twice before by fire. Construction began in 1790 but the building burned down before completion. It was quickly rebuilt and opened in May 1792, but burned to the ground again in December 1836. It was rebuilt yet again, and after a period of closure during the First World War, La Fenice once more became the scene of intense activity, attracting the world's greatest singers and conductors. La Fenice closed for a much-needed restoration in 1995, but just days before its scheduled reopening in February 1996, it burned down for a third time. Such is the determination and spirit of La Fenice, that a new theatre is scheduled to open in December. While the style of the venue will be identical to its predecessor, the behind-the-scenes technology will be brought right up to date with a lighting and control system from ETC Teatro.
La Fenice will be kitted out with an ETC Emphasis control system, Express console, Sensor dimming, Unison architectural-lighting control system, and a large Ethernet and DMX installation. ETC's European manager for the southern region, Fulvio Cotogni, said: "The reopening of La Fenice is a much anticipated event for the Italian people, who felt the impact of the fire like a personal loss. Our Italian dealer De Sisti received the huge order earlier this year and we now look forward to providing the opera house with the technology required to bring it in line with the 21st century."
A major inauguration ceremony is scheduled for December to mark the official reopening of La Fenice, but the theatre should be fully open for business by early 2004.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
