The construction of the theatre began in 1856 with funds provided by a society of wealthy shareholders. Work directed by architects Alvino and Pisanti resumed, however, only in 1865, after a long interruption due to the 1857 earthquake. The theatre was inaugurated on January 26, 1881 with a performance of La Traviata, in the presence of the king, queen and Prince Amedeo. The building, in its structure and decorative apparatus, was designed with characteristics very similar to those of the San Carlo theatre in Naples, and was reopened to the public only in 1990 due to yet another severe earthquake in 1980, after a restoration that, while respecting the original layout, improved its acoustics, lighting and spaces. The stalls, three orders of boxes and the gallery enclose the orchestra and the stage, all in contained dimensions with such balance as to make it remembered as a small jewel of its kind. The theatre is dedicated to Potenza musician Francesco Stabile (1802-1861).