Conductor Cesare Trombini and the 19th century Warsaw opera life on display at the National Opera
The upcoming 60th anniversary of the reconstruction of the Polish National Opera building (as well as the 200th anniversary of its cornerstone being laid) has inspired the Theatre Museum to create an exhibition dedicated to the warm and dynamic artistic relationships between Polish and Italian musicians in the second half of the 19th century. At the heart of the exhibition is Cesare Trombini –Italian violinist, long-time conductor, and director of the opera ensemble, who worked at the Grand Theatre from 1873 onward.
Trombini played a key role in shaping the musical landscape of the era. Thanks to his personal relationships with Italian composers such as Giuseppe Verdi, Arrigo Boito, Pietro Mascagni, Ruggero Leoncavallo, and Giacomo Puccini, their works received Polish premieres under his baton. He also introduced Wagner’s works into the repertoire and personally petitioned the Tsarist authorities for permission to stage “Goplana” by Władysław Żeleński, conducting its Warsaw premiere on January 8, 1898.
The exhibition highlights some of the most famous singers of the period, including brothers Jan and Edward Reszke, Mattia Battistini, and Aristodemo Sillich – whose careers were closely intertwined with both the Polish and Italian opera scenes.
Visitors will have the chance to view unique documents and memorabilia that shed new light on the collaborations and connections between artists from both countries. The most fascinating and valuable item on display is Cesare Trombini’s personal autograph book – an irreplaceable collection of over one hundred signatures and dedications from prominent musicians, compiled since the 1840s. The first entry comes from none other than Niccolò Paganini, and others include signatures from such luminaries as Giuseppe Verdi and Anton Rubinstein.
The exhibition also features artifacts related to the history of the building itself, including original pre-war tableware and a piece of upholstery from a theatre box, recovered from the ruins.
The exhibition dedicated to Cesare Trombini’s work will be on view in the Northern Halls of the Polish National Opera until June 29, 2025.
Portrait on homepage: A portrait of Cesare Trombini by Anna Bilińska, ca. 1875–1877, Theatre Museum collection