Operas and symphonic concerts from April to July, for the 85th edition of the prestigious festival

The Maggio Musicale Fiorentino is a very popular lyrical festival, the oldest in Italy, which benefits from European recognition. The first edition dates to 1933 and the festival soon acquired the reputation of one of the most important orchestras in Europe. This event was particularly appreciated for the unconventional musical culture it brought on stage.

From April 22 to July 13, the 85^th edition of Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Festival newly elevates the city with 3 operas, 11 symphonic concerts, 1 opera for the young and 1 Maria Callas-focused conference.

Don Giovanni was the opening opera of the festival, directed by Giorgio Ferrara from April 30 to May 12, followed by Verdi’s Otello, from May 20 to 31, under the direction of Valerio Binasco, and finally, from June 16 to 23, Falstaff by Giuseppe Verdi, conducted by Daniele Gatti – an opera that holds great significance for him and has been a highlight of his career.

These three operas will feature a stellar cast of renowned artists, including Luca Micheletti as Don Giovanni, Fabio Sartori as Otello, and Michael Volle in the role of Falstaff. The three are joined by other exceptional voices, such as Markus Werba, Jessica Pratt, Anastasia Bartoli, Benedetta Torre, Luca Salsi, and Claudia Huckle.

The symphonic programming is equally impressive, offering a diverse selection of eleven concerts, just a few of which are listed in what follows. Maestro Gatti opened the series, taking charge of compositions by Wagner and Strauss. Additionally, he will present an extraordinary musical journey by performing the complete symphonies of Pëtr Il’ič Čajkovskij for the first time in three distinct concerts on June 22nd, June 28th, and July 1st.

Zubin Mehta conducted on April 29th and will once again take the stage on May 25th. Diego Ceretta, the newly appointed principal conductor of the Orchestra della Toscana, will be leading the concert on May 19th. Furthermore, an additional concert featuring the Italian Youth Orchestra has been scheduled for June 10th.

A special highlight of the festival will be the concert on June 17th at the Visarno Arena, where the Maggio Orchestra will join forces with the legendary band, The Who.

The grand symphonic finale of the festival will be Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, conducted by Paolo Carignani and featuring the talented soloists from the Maggio Academy.

Among the notable soloists performing alongside the conductors throughout the festival are Julia Hagen, Andrea Lucchesini, Christiane Karg, and Michèle Losier.

For children, schools and families, the festival presents “La Historia de Carmen,” based on George Bizet’s Carmen, from June 1st to 7th in the Mehta Hall, with the Italian Youth Orchestra conducted by Giuseppe La Malfa.

Finally, this year the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Festival hosted an important international conference curated by Giancarlo Landini and Giovanni Vitali. The conference focused on the life and talent of one of the most celebrated and acclaimed singers of all time: Maria Callas. The conference was titled “La fiamma possente” (The Mighty Flame) to commemorate the energy of the artist.

For this 85^th edition, significant price reductions have been implemented for both opera and symphony performances. Ticket costs have been reduced by up to 50%, with symphony concert prices ranging from €20 to €70 and opera ticket prices ranging from €15 to €110. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience world-class opera and symphony! Secure your tickets now and immerse yourself in extraordinary music and artistry.