(Photo: Michele Monasta)

Prior to the premiere of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino’s new production of John Adam’s opera “The Death of Klinghoffer” on April 19, the Italian Music Critics Association gathered for its 45th “Franco Abbiati” annual awards ceremony to celebrate Italian opera’s achievements of 2025.

The theater of the Maggio Musicale was chosen as the venue for the presentations as it was the recipient of the award for the “Best Opera Production” for its presentation of Hans Werner Henze’s “Der Junge Lord” conducted by Markus Stenz and directed by Daniele Menghini.

Other major winners included Alexander Soddy for “Best Conductor.”

Cecilia Ligorio took the prize for “Best Director” for her productions of Mozart’s “Il Re Pastore” at Roma’s Teatro dell’Opera and Alessandro Scarlatti’s “Mitridate Eupatore” at Palermo’s Teatro Massimo.

Gary McCann carried off the award for “Best Scenery Designs” for his work on Strauss’ Die Liebe der Danae” at the Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa and Thomas’ “Hamlet” at the Teatro Regio in Turin. The prize for “Best Costume Designs” was awarded to Giada Masi for her designs for Thomas’ “Hamlet” at Turin’s Teatro Regio.

The “Best Male Singer” award went to baritone Luca Salsi and the Lithuanian soprano Vida Miknevičiūtė picked up the award for “Best Female Singer.”

The award for “Musical Initiative” went to the Festival della Valle d’Itria di Martina Franca for its production of Britten’s “Owen Windgrave.”

The “Filippo Siebanek Prize” for educational work was awarded to the Teatro Opera Sociale in Como for its Opera White project.

A special award was made to Gino Negri for Teatro Sperimentale’s production of “Tre Atti Unici.”