Opera al Laghetto
Opera takes to the stage on the water of Venafro's lake
About Opera al Laghetto
Opera on the Water in Venafro
Opera al Laghetto is the opera festival that every summer transforms the natural lake of Venafro, in the province of Isernia, into a picturesque open-air theatre. Stages are set up on the water, with the Palazzina Liberty serving as a backdrop: an original formula, conceived by artistic director Maestro Claudio Luongo, which has made the event one of the most recognizable of the Venafrana Summer.
Great Repertoire and Prominent Voices
Prominent opera singers perform on stage, accompanied by the Molise Symphony Orchestra. The event, organized by the City of Venafro with the support of the Molise Region and the collaboration of local entities — Pro Loco, volunteer Firefighters, and the Manuppella Art High School of Isernia for costumes and jewellery — focuses on the combination of culture and territorial marketing.
A Success That Grows Every Year
The evenings regularly sell out, with requests from all over Central-Southern Italy and the entire Molise region. Opera al Laghetto is now a well-established summer event that brings great operatic repertoire to a unique natural setting.
Opera al Laghetto — edition 2026
ODI ET AMO: A World Premiere of Theatre and Opera
The sixth edition of Opera al Laghetto (July 26–27, 2026) presents ODI ET AMO, an original theatre and opera production making its world premiere, inspired by Catullus's famous couplet. The program is structured as a thematic journey through the core of human passions—love, desire, jealousy, conflict, and revenge—offering the audience a clear and accessible interpretation of opera.
On Stage
Musical direction is provided by Maestro Claudio Luongo, featuring the Molise Symphony Orchestra. Actor and director Maurizio Casagrande performs short verses that engage in a continuous dialogue with the music. The scenography, designed by light designer Vincenzo Villani, combines water features with video mapping of original artworks by Molise-based artists selected by Antonio Tramontano, all set on the pond with the Palazzina Liberty as a backdrop.
Programme Opera al Laghetto 2026
The 2026 edition of Opera al Laghetto takes place over two evenings, July 26 and 27, featuring the original theatre and opera production ODI ET AMO (world premiere) with the participation of actor and director Maurizio Casagrande. The stage is set on the water of the natural pond, with the Molise Symphony Orchestra under the artistic direction of Maestro Claudio Luongo. Tickets start from €19.
Highlights Opera al Laghetto 2026
Prices Opera al Laghetto 2026
Practical information — Opera al Laghetto
When
During the summer, as part of the Estate Venafrana festival. The sixth edition will take place on July 26 and 27, 2026.
Where
At the natural pond in Venafro (IS), featuring stages set up on the water with the Liberty Building serving as a stunning backdrop.
Tickets
This is a ticketed event; evenings are highly popular and often sell out, so we recommend checking availability well in advance.
How to get there
Venafro is accessible by car via the SS85 highway and has its own train station on the Vairano-Isernia line.
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Where does it take place — Opera al Laghetto
Laghetto naturale di Venafro (palcoscenici sull'acqua)
Laghetto naturale di Venafro, 86079 Venafro