Bellini International Context

Fifth edition: September 13–28, 2025

The 2025 edition of the Bellini International Context took place from September 13 to 28 between Catania and Messina, featuring over twenty events including opera, symphonic and chamber concerts, jazz, dance, circus arts, and sacred music. The opening night at Villa Bellini on September 13 featured a gala with Bellini's music conducted by Antonino Fogliani, with soprano Irina Lungu and tenor Jack Swanson.

The headline performance was the opera Il pirata, staged on September 23 at the Teatro Massimo Bellini with Irina Lungu, Celso Albelo, and Franco Vassallo, the only ticketed event. Other highlights included Norma in Jazz with Paolo Fresu at the Teatro Vittorio Emanuele in Messina and a CircusOperaShow that combined opera and circus arts. The festival, promoted by the Sicilian Region, closed with a very high public turnout and numerous sold-out shows.

2025 Edition Program

The festival offered over twenty events between September 13 and 28, mostly free upon reservation.

• September 13 — Villa Bellini (Catania): Opening night, gala with Bellini's music conducted by Antonino Fogliani. Soprano Irina Lungu, tenor Jack Swanson, with actors Gaetano Aronica and Stefano Valanzuolo, Orchestra and Choir of the Teatro Massimo Bellini. Free admission upon reservation.
• September 14: "Bellini, Rossini, Donizetti: The Titans of the Early 19th Century".
• September 15: CircusOperaShow, a performance blending opera and circus arts.
• September 23 — Teatro Massimo Bellini (Catania): Opera Il pirata, new production directed by Marco Alibrando. Cast: Irina Lungu (soprano), Celso Albelo (tenor), Franco Vassallo (baritone). Only ticketed event (15–25 euros).
• September 24 — Teatro Vittorio Emanuele (Messina): Norma in Jazz with Paolo Fresu.
• Following: chamber concerts, dance productions, sacred music, and talks at other venues (Palazzo della Cultura, Teatro Sangiorgi, Vincenzo Bellini Conservatory, Cathedral Basilica of Sant'Agata).

Venues without reservation: Palazzo della Cultura, Conservatory, Cathedral, and Teatro Bellini foyer.

• Opening gala at Villa Bellini with Irina Lungu and Jack Swanson
• Opera Il pirata at Teatro Massimo Bellini
• Norma in Jazz with Paolo Fresu in Messina
• CircusOperaShow, opera and circus arts