(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 {…}
The Maggio Musicale Fiorentino has announced the postponement of the concert “Pas de deux for toes and fingers” due to international tensions. The performance was set to star Svetlana Zakharova and Vadim Repin on Jan. 20 and 21, 2026. However, the company said that due to tensions with Russia, it could jeopardize the success of the show and its intentions. {…}
The Maggio Musicale Fiorentino has announced a cast change for its production of “La Bohème.” The company said that Piero Pretti will take over the role of Rodolfo on Dec. 20, 23, 30, 2025 and Jan. 2, 2026 replacing Long Long, who is unable to perform in the production. Pretti is a well-known tenor who has performed at the Metropolitan {…}
The Maggio Musicale Fiorentino has announced a cast change for its production of “La Bohème.” The company said that Long Long will perform the role of Rodolfo, replacing Iván Ayón Rivas, who was originally announced. Long will perform the role on Dec. 20, 23, 30 & Jan. 2, 2026. The tenor has performed at the Salzburg Festival, the Hanover State Opera, Dallas {…}
The Maggio Musicale Fiorentino has announced its 2026 season. Michele Gamba conducts Massimo Popolizio’s production of Puccini’s “Tosca.” Chiara Isotton and Marta Mari sing the title role alongside Vincenzo Costanzo and Bror Magnus Tødenes as Cavaradossi and Alexey Markov and Claudio Sgura as Scarpia. Opening Date: Jan. 11, 2026 Robert Carsen directs “Cavalleria Rusticana” and “Pagliacci” with Riccardo Frizza conducting. Corinne Winters, Brian {…}
Daniele Gatti has been named Music Director of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. The conductor will begin his tenure in 2026 during the 88th Festival del Maggio and will serve for an initial three years through June 30, 2029. In a statement, General Director Carlos Fuortes said, “I am particularly pleased to announce this appointment. Daniele Gatti is one of the {…}
The Maggio Musicale Fiorentino has announced a cast change for its production of “Aida.” The company said, “We inform the public that, due to the sudden unavailability of the artist Agnieszka Rehlis, the mezzo-soprano Daniela Barcellona will sing the role of Amneris for all the plays of ‘Aida.’” Barcellona has performed at the Metropolitan Opera, the Teatro alla Scala, Royal {…}
The Maggio Musicale Fiorentino has announced that Giampaolo Bisanti will conduct “Lucrezia Borgia.” Bisanti is an Italian conductor who has directed at the Teatro La Fenice, Maggio Musicale, Teatro Lirico di Cagliari, Teatro Regio di Torino, Teatro Petruzzelli, Teatro Carlo Felice, Semperoper Dresden, Gran Teatre del Liceu, Opéra Royal de Wallonie, and the Bavarian State Opera. He is a specialist in {…}
(Credit: Michele Monasta) On April 13, Strauss’ “Salome” will open at the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino in a new production by Emma Dante and will be broadcast on Rai 5 and Rai Radio 3. The production will open the 87th Festival of teh Maggio Musicale and will be conducted by Alexander Soddy. Lidia Fridman will sing the title role in her {…}
On Nov. 29, the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino canceled its Puccini celebration “Puccini racconta Puccini.” The company said that due to the national strike, it was forced to cancel its concert. The concert was set to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Giacomo Puccini’s passing and included Puccini’s “Crisantemi,” “Preludio a orchestra,” “Preludio sinfonico in A major,” “Capriccio sinfonico,” Le villi’s “Tregenda,” {…}
The Maggio Musicale Fiorentino has announced a change for its “Norma” production during the 2025 season. The company said, “The Teatro del Maggio informs the kind audience that the production of Vincenzo Bellini’s ‘Norma,’ scheduled for next March during the 2025 Season, will no longer be the announced revival of the play directed by Moshe Leisier and Patrice Caurier for {…}