On August 17, the 17th Gigli Opera Festival will present soprano Marta Torbidoni with the Gigli Opera Festival Award.

The distinction is bestowed upon individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to promoting the excellence of Italian music and culture.

In a statement Torbidoni said, “I’m doubly grateful to accept the Premio Gigli Opera Festival 2026, firstly because it is awarded in honor of one of the greatest tenors ever, celebrating his name in his native city, and then because it’s taking place on ‘home ground.’ I was born in Montemarciano, a town of ten thousand inhabitants near Ancona. I’m 100 percent ‘marchigiana’ and this award, which comes at a magical time in my career, is an accolade filled with fondness, a reminder that my roots are here, in the quiet beauty of our territory, where I will always be welcomed with open arms. I’d like to thank everyone who has chosen me for this award and, above all, Maestro Riccardo Serenelli who, with his enthusiasm and his artistic and organizational skills, brings alive with music this city that has the good fortune to be the birthplace of Leopardi and Gigli. I’m truly proud to have been granted this honor.”

Torbidoni has established herself as one of the leading Italian opera singers who has performed at the Teatro alla Scala, Festival Verdi, Macerata Opera Festival, Teatro dell’Opera in Rome, Teatro Comunale in Bologna, Teatro Massimo in Palermo, and the Teatro Regio di Torino.