The Festival Verdi has announced that it will dedicate its 2021 edition to Graham Vick.

The festival said, “The 21st Festival Verdi will have the honor and responsibility of completing Vick’s last project, ‘Un Ballo in Maschera,’ which Jacopo Spirei will bring to the stage on Sept. 24. Therefore we will dedicate this edition to Vick.”

Vick most recently directed Verdi’s “Stiffelio” for the festival in 2017 and the production which was “revolutionary” was honored with the prestigious Premio Abbiati.

The director died on July 17 from complications with COVID-19 and was honored by every major company in the world.

The Festival Verdi is set to open on Sept. 24 with a new production of  “Un Ballo in Maschera” and will also feature concert performances of “Simon Boccanegra” and Verdi’s Requiem.