Bel Canto (restaurant) explained

Bel Canto
City:	Paris
Zip:	-->
Country:	France
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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.

Notes and References

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