The year 2026 begins for tenor Ştefan von Korch on the stage of the Studio Hall of the I.L. Caragiale National Theater in Bucharest, where he will perform, for the first time, in the already well-known Musical Extravaganza season: the canzonette and tarantella recital “O Sole Mio,” will be hosted on January 12 at the TNB Studio Hall and will bring together the host soloist, soprano Oana Maria Şerban, baritone Adrian Mărcan and pianist Alexandru Burcă.
The show is a musical journey that encapsulates the charm of Neapolitan melodies, highlights the elegance and intensity of opera arias and culminates in the sentimental sonority of zarzuelas – the immortal traditional Iberian songs. Famous refrains will highlight the rich Italian and Spanish repertoire in a show as refreshing and enveloping as a sunrise on the shores of the Mediterranean.
Tenor Ştefan von Korch details: «Although they belong to different traditions, both canzonettas and tarantellas, as well as zarzuelas, have the power to awaken universal emotions. They tell stories about love, joy, longing and hope, becoming bridges between the past and the present, between cultures and generations. We will enjoy an elegant meeting between genres in the concert “O Sole Mio,” both through landmark titles and through surprises almost never performed in Romania.»
Along with tenor Ştefan von Korch, two other prestigious soloists will complete the program: soprano Oana Maria Şerban and baritone Adrian Mărcan. And with magical touches of the keys, a piano virtuoso will accompany – maestro Alexandru Burcă.
Canzonettas and zarzuelas are captivating musical genres, each expressing through music and text the essence of the national spirit of the country of origin. Italian canzonettas and tarantellas have conquered the hearts of listeners all over the world, as interpreted by the legendary Luciano Pavarotti, and zarzuelas are the subtle and emotionally charged compositions found in the repertoire of the legends of Spanish opera: Jose Careras and Placido Domingo. The two genres, along with famous arias and duets, will highlight the diversity and beauty of the lyrical universe, in a concert in which two cultural and musical horizons will merg
Through this concert, you will discover and rediscover the masterpieces of Italian and Spanish music, from classic canzonettas such as “O Sole Mio” or “Funiculì, Funiculà”, to famous arias and zarzuelas that will take the audience on a sound story on the shores of the Mediterranean.
The already published programme of Musical Extravaganza 2026 includes:
“O Sole Mio” – January 12 – Teatrul Naţional Bucureşti – Sala Studio
“Je T’Aime” – February 13 – Teatrul Constantin Tănase – Sala Savoy
„Caruso” – March 4 – Sala Dalles
„Armonii sacre” – April 1 Sala Dalles
„Olé, Torero!” – April 24 – Teatrul de Revistă Constantin Tănase
„Dunărea Albastră” – May 15 – Teatrul de Revistă Constantin Tănase
„Arrivereci, Roma!” – June 3 – Sala Dalles
„Carmina Burana” – *first full length work of the season* – July 17 2026 – Herăstrău Summer Garden
„Duelul Tenorilor” – August 6 – Herăstrău Summer Garden
More to be announced.