Parma will host the opening of the 26th Festival Verdi with a performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s seldom‑staged opera Alzira on 1 October, followed by shows on 8 and 17 October.
The productions are conducted by James Conlon and directed by Manuel Renga. Both artists are known for reviving lesser‑known works from the Italian repertoire.
Production details
Conlon, a veteran interpreter of Verdi, will lead the orchestra in a score that has rarely appeared on modern stages. Renga’s staging is expected to emphasize the opera’s dramatic tensions while adhering to the composer’s original intentions.
Festival context
Festival Verdi, founded in 1996, showcases Verdi’s operas each October in the Emilia‑Romagna region. The inclusion of Alzira reflects the festival’s aim to balance popular masterpieces with obscure pieces, offering audiences a broader view of the composer’s output.
Organisers said the three‑date run will feature a full cast of Italian singers and a chorus drawn from local conservatories. Tickets are available through the festival’s website and participating venues.
The next performances are scheduled for 8 and 17 October, after which the festival will continue with its standard repertoire of Verdi’s more familiar works.