Donizetti Opera Festival Reveals Exciting 2026 Season Lineup

The Donizetti Opera Festival has officially unveiled its 2026 season, scheduled to take place from November 13 to 29, 2026. This year’s festival will highlight three operas, emphasizing the rediscovery of lesser-known works by composer Gaetano Donizetti.

In a statement, Music Director Riccardo Frizza expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, stating, “Today we present an edition in which Donizetti rarities take center stage.” He noted that the festival will feature the premiere of the rediscovered score of “Alahor in Granata,” which was found in 2023 at the Palermo Conservatory library. “I have decided to entrust the podium to colleagues who are repertoire specialists, focusing my role fully on artistic and musical direction,” Frizza added.

Operatic Highlights of the Season

The festival will kick off with the inaugural performance of “L’esule di Roma,” conducted by Antonino Fogliani and directed by Katharina Thoma. This production will run from November 13 to 29, 2026.

Following this, the second production will be “Alahor in Granata,” part of the special “Donizetti 200” edition. Conducted by Chiara Cattani and produced by Benedetto Sicca, this opera will be showcased between November 14 and 27, 2026.

The final performance will feature “Le convenienze ed inconvenienze teatrali,” conducted by Alberto Zanardi and directed by Silvia Paoli. This production is scheduled for November 15 to 28, 2026.

As the festival prepares for this remarkable lineup, it aims to not only celebrate the classic works of Donizetti but also to introduce audiences to hidden gems within his repertoire. The Donizetti Opera Festival continues to be a significant platform for both established and emerging talent in the operatic world, promoting a rich cultural experience for attendees.