International Festival in Homage to Mario Lanza
The hometown of the great Italian-American tenor celebrates international opera in the square
About Mario Lanza Festival
From Philadelphia to Filignano
Mario Lanza, born in Philadelphia to a family originally from Filignano (province of Isernia), was one of the most famous tenors of the 20th century, capable of bringing grand opera into Hollywood cinema. The International Festival in Homage to Mario Lanza was created to preserve and pass on the bond between the artist and his native village.
Grand Opera in the Square
Every summer, Filignano's Piazza Municipio transforms into an open-air theater. Renowned voices from the international opera scene take turns on stage: over the years, the festival has hosted artists of the caliber of Katia Ricciarelli, Cecilia Gasdia, Chiara Taigi, Francesca Patanè, Nicola Martinucci, and Gianluca Terranova, accompanied by live orchestras.
An Homage That Has Lasted for Decades
With over thirty years of history, the festival is one of the flagship events of the Molise artistic season. It is organized with passion by the Mario Lanza Association, chaired by Michel Rongione, and represents a prestigious cultural opportunity and tourist attraction for Filignano and for all of Molise.
Mario Lanza Festival — edition 2026
In 2026, the International Festival in Homage to Mario Lanza returns to Piazza Municipio in Filignano. As tradition dictates, the event focuses on the second half of August and offers evenings of great opera with international renowned voices and a live orchestra. The organization is handled by the Mario Lanza Association.
Programme Mario Lanza Festival 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition, with precise dates and artist cast, will be announced by the Mario Lanza Association in the weeks preceding the event. The usual format includes several concert evenings in Piazza Municipio dedicated to the operatic repertoire and arias made famous by Mario Lanza, with the participation of solo voices and orchestra.
Highlights Mario Lanza Festival 2026
Prices Mario Lanza Festival 2026
Practical information — Mario Lanza Festival
How to get there
Filignano can be reached by car from Isernia (about 25 km) along the roads leading towards the border with Lazio and the upper Volturno valley.
When
The festival traditionally takes place in the second half of August, generally between the 14th and the 20th.
Information
For the program and details, you can contact the Mario Lanza Association at +39 328 0837306 or follow the official Facebook page.
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Where does it take place — Mario Lanza Festival
Piazza Municipio
Piazza Municipio, 86074 Filignano