Bel Canto (restaurant)

Bel Canto is a chain of restaurants, based in Paris, France, where singers perform live opera arias for the diners.[1]

Concept

Bel Canto employs opera singers as waiters and waitresses. The singers usually work in groups of four, and every 15 minutes a different opera aria is performed.[2] As of 2008, Bel Canto employed 50 singers and 10 pianists.[2] The restaurants are decorated in red and gold velvet, with musical instruments and opera costumes lining the walls.[3]

History

The first Bel Canto restaurant opened in Paris in 1999, and since then another restaurant opened in Paris, and a third in Neuilly-sur-Seine.[3] After an unsuccessful attempt in La City, London, in 2008, Bel Canto London opened in Corus Grand Hotel Hyde Park in 2009.

References

  1. MacLeod, Donald (December 16, 2008). "Opera restaurant: 'It's a good way of learning new repertoire'". Guardian. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Miller, Wendy (December 16, 2008). "They're singing for your supper at the Bel Canto Restaurant". Telegraph. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Paola, Genone (September 20, 2004). "Une diva à ma table" [A diva at my table]. L'Express (in French). Retrieved August 9, 2012.

External links