The 2026 season of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino emerges as a rigorous exploration of human narrative, presented through twelve operatic productions and an extensive symphonic program. Under the new musical direction of Daniele Gatti, the theater commits to a path of intellectual depth. Key highlights include the complete Beethoven symphonies in June and a dedicated Felix Mendelssohn cycle in autumn. This season marks a deliberate shift towards a more analytical repertoire, where the opera house functions not merely as a museum of the past, but as a living laboratory for contemporary thought and spiritual resonance.
The operatic calendar balances the enduring presence of Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera and Simon Boccanegra with the sharp edges of modern masterpieces. The 88th Maggio Festival will open with John Adams’ The Death of Klinghoffer, directed by filmmaker Luca Guadagnino; a choice that signals a commitment to politically and socially relevant art. The exploration of the human condition continues through Berg’s Wozzeck and Poulenc’s La voix humaine, providing a stark, understated look at isolation and the fragmented language of our time, moving far beyond traditional operatic tropes.
The visual identity of the season is shaped by visionary directors such as Robert Carsen and Laurent Pelly, ensuring a sophisticated aesthetic that complements the musical excellence. A notable highlight is the world premiere of Romanzo Criminale, composed by Nicola Piovani with a libretto by Giancarlo De Cataldo. This production bridges the gap between Italian noir and the operatic stage. The symphonic season remains equally formidable, featuring 28 performances by esteemed conductors including Myung-Whun Chung and Zubin Mehta, who returns to the podium for five distinct programs.
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