The Italian opera takes center stage in 2025, as the country’s premier opera houses unveil a captivating array of performances that blend timeless classics with bold, innovative productions. Here’s a guide to the must-see opera events across Italy’s most iconic cities.
Milan – Teatro alla Scala
Teatro alla Scala, one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, presents an exceptional lineup for its 2025 season, featuring a blend of classic masterpieces and innovative new works:
- Eugene Onegin by Tchaikovsky – February 19 to March 11: A new production directed by Mario Martone, featuring Alexey Markov and Aida Garifullina.
- Tosca by Puccini – March 15 to April 4: Davide Livermore’s acclaimed staging returns, with Chiara Isotton and Elena Stikhina alternating in the title role.
- Il nome della rosa by Francesco Filidei – April 27 to May 10: World premiere of the opera adaptation of Umberto Eco’s novel, directed by Damiano Michieletto.
- Siegfried by Wagner – June: Part of the Ring Cycle, conducted by Christian Thielemann with Klaus Florian Vogt as Siegfried.
- Norma by Bellini – June 27 to July 17: A new production directed by Olivier Py, starring Marina Rebeka and Vasilisa Berzhanskaya.
- La Cenerentola by Rossini – September 6 to 19: Jean-Pierre Ponnelle’s classic staging, revived by the La Scala Academy.
- Rigoletto by Verdi – October 7 to 28: Mario Martone’s production returns, featuring Amartuvshin Enkhbat and Regula Mühlemann.
- Così fan tutte by Mozart – November 5 to 26: A new production directed by Robert Carsen, with Elsa Dreisig and Gerald Finley.
Venice – Teatro La Fenice
Teatro La Fenice, one of the most iconic opera houses in Venice, offers a season rich in both classical and modern works. While the complete 2025 schedule is pending, it traditionally runs from late autumn through spring. Audiences can expect a mix of celebrated operas and contemporary pieces performed in the elegant historic setting of La Fenice.
Verona – Arena di Verona Opera Festival
The 102nd Arena di Verona Opera Festival runs from June 13 to September 6, 2025, with 47 open-air performances under the stars:
- Nabucco by Verdi (New Production): June 13, 14, 21, 28; July 10, 17, 24, 31; August 9, 16, 21; September 5.
- Aida by Verdi: June 20, 29; July 6, 13, 16, 20, 27; August 1, 10, 17, 24, 28; September 4.
- La Traviata by Verdi: June 27; July 5, 11, 19, 25; August 2.
- Carmen by Bizet: July 4, 12, 18, 26; August 14, 23, 29; September 3.
- Rigoletto by Verdi: August 8, 22, 30; September 6.
Special events include:
- Jonas Kaufmann in Opera – August 3
- Carmina Burana by Carl Orff – August 15
- Viva Vivaldi: The Four Seasons Immersive Concert – August 27
- Roberto Bolle and Friends – July 22 and 23
Rome – Teatro dell’Opera di Roma
Teatro dell’Opera di Roma offers a dynamic 2025 season both in its traditional venue and the Baths of Caracalla. Highlights include:
- Alcina by Händel – March 18 to 26: Conducted by Rinaldo Alessandrini, directed by Pierre Audi.
- Suor Angelica / Il prigioniero – Apr 23 to May 2: Presented by Calixto Bieito.
- L’italiana in Algeri by Rossini – June 5 to 12: Conducted by Sesto Quatrini with scenic designs by Emanuele Luzzati.
- Carmen by Bizet – June 21 to 28: Revival of the 1970 production, conducted by Omer Meir Wellber.
- The Turn of the Screw by Britten – September 19 to 28: Directed by Deborah Warner, featuring Ian Bostridge.
- Adriana Mater by Kaija Saariaho – October 9 to 16: Italian premiere, directed by Peter Sellars.
- Stabat Mater by Rossini – October 26 to 31: Conducted by Michele Mariotti, staged at the Baths of Diocletian.
Naples – Teatro di San Carlo
Teatro di San Carlo in Naples, the oldest continuously active opera house in the world, offers a season that spans autumn to spring. While the full program is still to be announced, audiences can expect high-profile productions rooted in both Neapolitan and international operatic tradition, all performed in this majestic historic venue.
Florence – Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
Florence’s Maggio Musicale Fiorentino festival features two standout productions in March 2025:
- Norma by Bellini: March 9, 11, 14, 16.
- Le streghe di Macbeth: March 12, 13, 15, 18.
Study in Italian and learn about the Italian opera
Through our partner schools in cities like Verona, Siena, and Rome, you can not only study Italian but also dive into the rich tradition of Italian opera. Many of these schools offer special courses or activities dedicated to opera, allowing you to explore this iconic art form while improving your language skills in an inspiring cultural setting. Interested in any of these? Contact us!
