The superintendent of the
Rossini Opera Festival (ROF), Gianfranco Mariotti, said Thursday
he had decided to step down.
Mariotti said the decision was taken in "the full serenity of
spirit" after Italy's Audit Court recently voiced concerns over
his pay from the ROF.
Calling on Mariotti to reconsider, Pesaro Mayor Matteo Ricci
said he was an "extraordinary figure" and a "patrimony of the
city".
The ROF, founded in 1980, is an international music festival
held in August of each year in Pesaro, the birthplace of the
opera composer Gioachino Rossini.
Its aim, in addition to studying the musical heritage of the
composer, is to revive and perform his works in a unique setting
that allows collaboration of scholars, artists, and audience.
It is often simply referred to as the Pesaro Festival.
Performances are given in the 850-seat theatre built in 1818,
the Teatro Rossini and, since 1988, the modified "Palasport"
sports arena which holds 1,500.
photo: Mariotti between singers Jessica Pratt (L) and Lena
Belkina
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