Aveline Kirana
The Vicenza in Lirica Festival has unveiled its highly anticipated 2026 program, a meticulously curated series of operatic performances that promises to enchant audiences with a blend of timeless classics and exciting new interpretations. Scheduled to run from August through September 2026, the festival will showcase a diverse range of works, from the comedic brilliance of Mozart and Rossini to the groundbreaking early opera of Monteverdi, offering a rich tapestry of musical and theatrical experiences. This year’s festival highlights not only established stars of the operatic world but also provides a significant platform for emerging artists and local conservatories, underscoring the festival’s commitment to nurturing the future of opera.
A Grand Opening with Mozart’s Masterpiece
The festival will commence on August 21, 2026, with a resplendent production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s enduring comic opera, The Marriage of Figaro. This beloved work, renowned for its intricate plot, witty libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte, and sublime music, will feature a stellar cast. Headlining the production are Said Gobechiya in the titular role of Figaro, and Erica Artina as the spirited Susanna. They will be joined by Claudia Mavilia as the Countess Almaviva, Ignas Melnikas as Count Almaviva, and Elisabetta Ricci as the spirited Cherubino. The ensemble also includes Maria Viviani, Huigang Liu, Fabio Sabadini, Agnese Funari, and Alberto Spadarotto, each contributing to the vibrant character tapestry of this opera.
The musical accompaniment for The Marriage of Figaro will be provided by the Voc’è Choir, under the masterful direction of choirmaster Alberto Spadarotto, and the esteemed Colli Morenici Orchestra. The visual artistry of the production will be further enhanced by the imaginative costume designs of Ester Campagnaro and Anna Fabris, promising a visually stunning and vocally brilliant opening to the festival. The choice of The Marriage of Figaro as the opener sets a high standard for the season, signaling the festival’s dedication to presenting opera at its finest.
A Sacred Masterpiece and Emerging Voices
Following the comedic heights of Mozart, the festival will shift its focus to the profound and spiritual with Gioachino Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle on September 6, 2026. This lesser-known, yet deeply moving, sacred work by the Italian composer will feature an exceptional lineup of vocalists. Leading the performance will be renowned sopranos Carmela Remigio and Daniela Barcellona, alongside baritone Luis Magallanes and bass Luca Pisaroni. Their combined vocal prowess is expected to bring a powerful and emotive dimension to Rossini’s solemn composition.
The performance will be further enriched by the Iris Ensemble Choir, conducted by Marina Malavasi, and the Orchestra of Padua and the Veneto. The baton for the entire ensemble will be wielded by conductor Alessandro Vitiello, who will undoubtedly draw out the nuanced beauty and emotional depth of Rossini’s score. The inclusion of Petite Messe Solennelle demonstrates the festival’s commitment to showcasing a broad spectrum of operatic and choral works, extending beyond the traditional staged opera.
Adding another layer to the festival’s commitment to artistic development, a special performance on September 11, 2026, will feature soloists who have participated in a masterclass led by the celebrated soprano Barbara Frittoli. These emerging artists will present a program dedicated to arias and opera duets exclusively from Mozart’s extensive repertoire. This segment of the festival serves as a crucial platform for nurturing young talent, offering them a prestigious stage to showcase their skills and interpret the works of a master composer under the guidance of an accomplished artist. The selection of Mozart for this masterclass performance reinforces the festival’s ongoing engagement with his oeuvre, initiated by the opening production.
Rossini’s Wit and a Conservatory Showcase
The festival continues its exploration of Rossini with a vibrant presentation of his ever-popular comic opera, The Barber of Seville. Scheduled for September 11-13, 2026, this production will be brought to life by the winners of the prestigious Tullio Serafin 2026 Opera Competition. This collaboration is a testament to the festival’s role in identifying and promoting the next generation of operatic stars. The competition itself, often a rigorous proving ground for young singers, ensures that the performances of The Barber of Seville will be delivered by artists at the peak of their emerging careers.
The production will be under the directorial vision of Natale De Carolis, a distinguished figure in the opera world. Matteo Corsi will be responsible for the scenic design, while Elia Baccarin will craft the period-appropriate costumes, promising a visually engaging and historically informed rendition of Rossini’s masterpiece. The Orchestra of the "A. Pedrollo" Conservatory of Vicenza will provide the musical foundation, conducted by Marco Titotto. This involvement of a local conservatory underscores the festival’s deep roots within the Vicenza community and its dedication to fostering local artistic talent. The multiple performance dates suggest a significant investment in this production, aiming to provide ample opportunity for audiences to experience this operatic staple.
A Baroque Gem and a Groundbreaking Finale
Further delving into the operatic canon, the festival will present Baldassare Galuppi’s charming 18th-century opera buffa, Il filosofo di campagna (The Country Philosopher). This work, known for its engaging melodies and lighthearted satire, will be performed on September 14, 2026. The cast features Nicola Zambon, Ginevra Brogio, Maria Viviani, Timoteo Bene Junior, and Enrico Rinaldo, who will bring to life the witty characters and comedic situations of this Baroque gem. The production will be directed by Marco Bellussi, with the Orchestra of the "Agostino Steffani" Conservatory providing the musical accompaniment under the baton of Massimo Donadello. The inclusion of Il filosofo di campagna highlights the festival’s commitment to exploring a broader historical range of opera, offering audiences a chance to discover lesser-known yet significant works from different eras.
The Vicenza in Lirica Festival will draw to a magnificent close on September 20, 2026, with a co-production of Claudio Monteverdi’s revolutionary opera, L’Orfeo. This monumental work, considered one of the earliest and most significant operas in the history of Western music, marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the genre. The co-production with the Sabbioneta Chamber Opera Festival signifies a collaborative effort to bring this historically important piece to a wider audience. While the soloists for L’Orfeo are yet to be announced, the production promises to be a grand affair, with detailed set design by Cesare Scarton and elaborate costumes by Giampaolo Tirelli. The performance will be conducted by Stefano Lorenzetti, who will undoubtedly lead the ensemble in a compelling interpretation of Monteverdi’s groundbreaking score. The choice of L’Orfeo as the festival closer is a bold statement, emphasizing the festival’s ambition to engage with the very foundations of opera and to present works that have shaped musical history.
Context and Significance of the 2026 Program
The Vicenza in Lirica Festival has established itself as a significant cultural event within the Italian operatic landscape. Its annual program consistently draws both renowned international artists and highlights the rich artistic heritage of the Veneto region. The 2026 season, in particular, appears to be a carefully balanced offering, designed to appeal to a wide spectrum of opera enthusiasts.
The festival’s consistent programming of Mozart and Rossini reflects their enduring popularity and their importance in the operatic canon. The Marriage of Figaro and The Barber of Seville are staples that allow for impressive vocal displays and intricate theatricality, providing accessible entry points for new audiences while offering seasoned opera-goers the chance to appreciate fresh interpretations. The inclusion of Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle and Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo demonstrates a more adventurous programming strategy, venturing into less frequently performed but historically significant works. This approach not only educates audiences about the evolution of opera but also showcases the festival’s commitment to artistic depth and breadth.
The festival’s emphasis on emerging talent, through the collaboration with the Tullio Serafin Opera Competition winners and the masterclass participants under Barbara Frittoli, is a crucial element. Such initiatives are vital for the sustainability of the opera world, providing essential performance opportunities and career development for young artists. The involvement of local conservatories, such as "A. Pedrollo" and "Agostino Steffani," further solidifies the festival’s connection to the community and its role as a catalyst for regional artistic growth. This integration of local institutions ensures that the festival is not just an event in Vicenza, but an event of Vicenza, fostering a sense of local pride and participation.
The co-production of L’Orfeo with the Sabbioneta Chamber Opera Festival suggests a strategic move towards collaborative ventures, potentially broadening the festival’s reach and sharing resources for ambitious productions. This type of partnership is increasingly common in the performing arts, allowing for the realization of complex projects that might be financially prohibitive for a single organization.
Anticipated Impact and Future Outlook
The 2026 Vicenza in Lirica Festival is poised to be a significant cultural event, attracting opera lovers from across Italy and beyond. The diverse repertoire, coupled with a strong lineup of established and emerging artists, is likely to generate considerable interest. The festival’s commitment to presenting a range of operatic periods and styles, from the Baroque innovations of Monteverdi to the Classical brilliance of Mozart and the bel canto mastery of Rossini, offers a comprehensive overview of operatic history.
The festival’s success in attracting top-tier talent and its dedication to nurturing new voices position it as a vital contributor to the operatic ecosystem. The performances are expected to be met with critical acclaim and enthusiastic audience reception, further cementing Vicenza’s reputation as a significant hub for operatic excellence. As the festival continues to evolve, its ability to balance beloved masterpieces with adventurous programming and a commitment to artistic development will undoubtedly ensure its continued relevance and success in the years to come. The 2026 season promises to be a memorable chapter in the ongoing story of the Vicenza in Lirica Festival.
