A Month-Long Celebration of Opera in Verdi’s Homeland
The Festival Verdi is an annual opera music festival that takes place in Parma and Busseto, Italy, in honor of the composer Giuseppe Verdi. Founded in 1989, the festival initially ran until 1993 and was revived in 2001 for the centenary of Verdi’s death. Since 2007, it has been celebrated each October, aligning with Verdi’s birth month.
Running from late September through October, the festival features a diverse program of Verdi’s operas, including both well-known and lesser-known works, premieres of critical editions, and performances of original versions of Verdi’s revised scores. Performances are held at the prestigious Teatro Regio in Parma and the Teatro Verdi in Busseto, as well as other venues in the “Terra di Verdi” region of Emilia-Romagna.
Beyond operatic performances, the festival offers orchestral concerts, discussions, and other presentations that explore Verdi’s impact and legacy. Attendees can engage with the rich culture and gastronomy of the region, visiting landmarks such as Verdi’s birthplace, Casa Natale, and Museo Casa Barezzi in Busseto.
Festival Verdi is currently led by Superintendent Luciano Messi and his creative team headed by Artistic Director Alessio Vlad. They play a vital role in ensuring the festival’s continued excellence and relevance in the operatic landscape. With a commitment to faithfully presenting Verdi’s works, the Festival Verdi stands as one of the premier opera music events in Italy and the world, drawing music lovers and enthusiasts to the heart of Verdi’s homeland.
