Experimental Opera Season - A. Belli Experimental Lyric Theatre
The historic forge of young voices and new operas in Spoleto
About Experimental Opera Season of Spoleto
The Experimental Opera Season of Spoleto
The A. Belli Experimental Lyric Theatre of Spoleto, founded in 1947, is one of Italy's most historic and prestigious opera institutions. Its Experimental Opera Season, held in Spoleto (province of Perugia) between late summer and early autumn, has been a breeding ground for young singers for decades, many of whom have gone on to perform on international stages.
Between Rediscovery and World Premieres
The programme combines new productions of great repertoire titles, rediscoveries of rare operas, and world premieres commissioned from contemporary composers. The programming is distinguished by the quality of the conductors and directors involved and by its commitment to musical research, in constant dialogue between tradition and experimentation.
The City's Historic Theatres
The performances take place in the most evocative venues in Spoleto: the Caio Melisso Theatre, an Italian-style jewel, the Gian Carlo Menotti New Theatre, and the Pegasus Hall. Some productions are then offered on tour in other theatres in Umbria, from Todi to Perugia, Assisi, Città di Castello, and Orvieto, making the season an event of regional and national importance.
Experimental Opera Season of Spoleto — edition 2026
The 80th Experimental Opera Season (2026)
The 2026 edition marks the 80th season of the Experimental Lyric Theatre of Spoleto and runs from August 6 to September 28 with four new productions and a lieder evening, including three world premieres.
It opens with Henry Purcell's Dido and Aeneas (directed by Tommaso Amadio, conducted by Marco Angius) at the Caio Melisso Theatre, with missing sections commissioned from composer Riccardo Panfili for their world premiere. This is followed by the world premiere of Una promessa infranta by Federico Gardella (directed by and libretto by Cecilia Ligorio, conducted by Mimma Campanale), Luciano Chailly's La cantatrice calva based on Ionesco's text (directed by Pier Luigi Pizzi, conducted by Marco Angius), a Liederabend at the Pegasus Hall featuring the premiere by the winner of the Fondazione Monini Competition, and finally Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore (directed by Laura Cosso, conducted by Carlo Palleschi) at the Nuovo Theatre, with a regional tour.
Programme Experimental Opera Season of Spoleto 2026
Dido and Aeneas — Henry Purcell
- August 6 (preview, 8:30 PM) — Caio Melisso Theatre, Spoleto
- August 7-9 — Caio Melisso Theatre, Spoleto
- September 27-28 — Teatro Comunale, Todi
- Direction: Tommaso Amadio | Conductor: Marco Angius | Missing sections in world premiere by Riccardo Panfili
Una promessa infranta — Federico Gardella (world premiere)
- August 20 (preview, 8:30 PM) — Caio Melisso Theatre
- August 21-23 — Caio Melisso Theatre, Spoleto
- Conductor: Mimma Campanale | Direction and libretto: Cecilia Ligorio
La cantatrice calva — Luciano Chailly
- September 3 (preview, 8:30 PM) — Caio Melisso Theatre
- September 4-6 — Caio Melisso Theatre, Spoleto
- Direction and sets: Pier Luigi Pizzi | Conductor: Marco Angius | Based on Eugène Ionesco
Liederabend
- September 8 (8:30 PM) — Pegasus Hall, Spoleto, featuring the premiere by the winner of the Fondazione Monini Competition
L'elisir d'amore — Gaetano Donizetti
- September 16-17 — performances for schools, Nuovo Theatre
- September 18-20 — Gian Carlo Menotti New Theatre, Spoleto
- September 21-25 — tour in Umbria (Assisi, Perugia, Città di Castello, Orvieto)
- Direction: Laura Cosso | Conductor: Carlo Palleschi
Tickets on Ticket Italia. Info: +39 0743 222889. More details at tls-belli.it.
Highlights Experimental Opera Season of Spoleto 2026
Prices Experimental Opera Season of Spoleto 2026
Practical information — Experimental Opera Season of Spoleto
Getting Here
Spoleto is served by the Rome-Ancona railway line. The theatres are located in the historic centre, reachable from the station via the mechanized pathways. By car: take the Spoleto exit from the SS3 Flaminia.
Tickets
Tickets and season tickets available on Ticket Italia. Info: +39 0743 222889. Season tickets cover the main operas (Liederabend excluded).
Tips
For the Caio Melisso Theatre, with its reduced capacity, booking in advance is recommended.
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Where does it take place — Experimental Opera Season of Spoleto
Teatro Caio Melisso, Teatro Nuovo Gian Carlo Menotti, Sala Pegasus
Piazza Gabriele Bovio 1, 06049 Spoleto