Stagione Lirica Sperimentale - Teatro Lirico Sperimentale A. Belli
The historic forge of young voices and new operas in Spoleto
About Stagione Lirica Sperimentale di Spoleto
The Stagione Lirica Sperimentale di Spoleto
The Teatro Lirico Sperimentale di Spoleto "A. Belli", founded in 1947, is one of the most historic and prestigious opera institutions in Italy. Its Stagione Lirica Sperimentale, 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 international careers.
Between Rediscovery and World Premieres
The programme combines new productions of titles from the great repertoire, 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 historic theatres of the city
The performances take place in the most evocative venues in Spoleto: the Teatro Caio Melisso, an Italian-style jewel, the Teatro Nuovo Gian Carlo Menotti, and the Sala Pegasus. 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.
Stagione Lirica Sperimentale di Spoleto — edition 2026
The 80th Stagione Lirica Sperimentale (2026)
The 2026 edition marks the 80th season of the Teatro Lirico Sperimentale di 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 Teatro Caio Melisso, with missing sections commissioned from composer Riccardo Panfili as a 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 Sala Pegasus featuring the premiere of the winner of the Concorso Fondazione Monini, and finally Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore (directed by Laura Cosso, conducted by Carlo Palleschi) at the Teatro Nuovo, with a regional tour.
Programme Stagione Lirica Sperimentale di Spoleto 2026
Dido and Aeneas — Henry Purcell
- August 6 (preview, 8:30 PM) — Teatro Caio Melisso, Spoleto
- August 7-9 — Teatro Caio Melisso, Spoleto
- September 27-28 — Teatro Comunale, Todi
- Director: Tommaso Amadio | Conductor: Marco Angius | Missing sections world premiere by Riccardo Panfili
Una promessa infranta — Federico Gardella (world premiere)
- August 20 (preview, 8:30 PM) — Teatro Caio Melisso
- August 21-23 — Teatro Caio Melisso, Spoleto
- Conductor: Mimma Campanale | Director and libretto: Cecilia Ligorio
La cantatrice calva — Luciano Chailly
- September 3 (preview, 8:30 PM) — Teatro Caio Melisso
- September 4-6 — Teatro Caio Melisso, Spoleto
- Director and sets: Pier Luigi Pizzi | Conductor: Marco Angius | Based on Eugène Ionesco
Liederabend
- September 8 (8:30 PM) — Sala Pegasus, Spoleto, featuring the premiere by the winner of the Concorso Fondazione Monini
L'elisir d'amore — Gaetano Donizetti
- September 16-17 — school performances, Teatro Nuovo
- September 18-20 — Teatro Nuovo Gian Carlo Menotti, Spoleto
- September 21-25 — tour in Umbria (Assisi, Perugia, Città di Castello, Orvieto)
- Director: Laura Cosso | Conductor: Carlo Palleschi
Tickets available on Ticket Italia. Info: +39 0743 222889. More details at tls-belli.it.
Highlights Stagione Lirica Sperimentale di Spoleto 2026
Prices Stagione Lirica Sperimentale di Spoleto 2026
Practical information — Stagione Lirica Sperimentale di Spoleto
How to get there
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 Teatro Caio Melisso, with its limited capacity, booking in advance is recommended.
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Where does it take place — Stagione Lirica Sperimentale di Spoleto
Teatro Caio Melisso, Teatro Nuovo Gian Carlo Menotti, Sala Pegasus
Piazza Gabriele Bovio 1, 06049 Spoleto