“Vissi d’arte”: opera explained in a podcast

The Ugo and Olga Levi Foundation in Venice has launched a podcast series aimed at bringing younger generations closer to classical music and opera. The series consists of seven episodes, each offering a unique combination of storytelling and listening, exploring not only well-known stories but also the most intimate aspects of the artists’ lives. With the series “Vissi d’arte”, enthusiasts and the curious alike can uncover all the secrets of opera, through fascinating stories, anecdotes, and in-depth insights, all delivered by young musicologists and prominent narrators.

Podcasting is one of the most powerful ways to engage younger audiences, and “Vissi d’arte” fits perfectly in this context. Nearly one in three people in Italy listen to podcasts, with 39% having done so in the past month (12 million people), confirming the format as an ideal tool for reaching Generation Z and Millennials. Through “Vissi d’arte”, classical music becomes an engaging and easily accessible experience, bridging the gap that many often feel between themselves and this centuries-old musical tradition.

The series is written by a group of young musicologists who have collaborated with the Levi Foundation for years, including Giovanni Meriani, Alessandro Avallone, Daniele Palma, and others. The narration is by Alessandro Avallone, while project curation is handled by Paola Cossu, coordinator of research and promotion activities at the Foundation.

A work of reflection and rediscovery

The goal of “Vissi d’arte” is to present opera protagonists from a fresh perspective, going beyond stage performance. Topics range from the creation of works to the private lives of artists, highlighting the human and vulnerable side of those who live and create opera.

Each episode focuses on a key figure or aspect of the operatic tradition, such as the composer (the first episode explores Giuseppe Verdi), the librettist (highlighting figures like Rinuccini and Metastasio), and the singer, whose voice becomes almost sacred. Attention is also given to impresarios who skillfully balanced artistic talent with the economic and managerial challenges of the theater, as well as a perhaps lesser-known aspect: the behind-the-scenes staff whose daily work makes the magic of opera possible.

The podcast is enriched by contributions from experts, historians, and musicologists, including Lorenzo Ferrero, Pierluigi Ledda, Eugenio Refini, and many others. To make the storytelling even more engaging, four Italian singer-songwriters — Pierpaolo Capovilla, Andrea Laszlo De Simone, Marco Scaramuzza, and Alessandro Ragazzo — lend their voices to readings of historical documents.

“Vissi d’arte” is available on Spotify, with the first episode online since January 19, 2026. Every Monday, a new chapter continues the journey, culminating in a cycle of seven episodes. There’s no better time to discover — or rediscover — the stories behind the grand stages and the figures who helped shape the history of opera.