Gioachino Rossini, a robust Italian man with an outgoing personality, was born in a small town, Pesaro, on the East coast of Italy on 29 February, 1792 (leap day). His father was a musician and his mother was an opera singer. As a boy, he was a singer and played the cello and horn. At 15, he entered a music school in Bologna, Italy where he learned to compose music. Rossini once said to give him a laundry list and he would set it to music! His first successful composition was completed at age 18 in Venice, Italy, and his masterpiece, The Barber of Seville, was first performed in Rome, Italy when he was only 24 years of age.

He composed thirty operas, the last of which was William Tell, with its famous overture, storm scene, and ballet music. Rossini was a lazy man, fond of women, and a very good cook. He liked to host dinner parties for his friends, among whom was Franz Liszt. He had fun teasing and playing tricks on his friends. (Those characteristics are also found in his music.) Rossini was married twice and both wives were opera singers. When criticised about his life-style, he responded that one should not expect much more of a man born on leap day! (ex. Dallas Symphony Orchestra)

The event includes audio/visual and live entertainment. We will be joined this time by a virtuoso accordionist who will play some of Rossini's best known overtures. Artist to be announced.