Stone Theatres Lyric Festival

A festival amidst the ancient stones of Taormina

The Stone Theatres Lyric Festival is one of Sicily's most fascinating summer events: a musical journey through the island's great Greek and Roman theatres, from Syracuse to Tindari, and from Selinunte to the world-famous Ancient Theatre of Taormina, in the municipality of Taormina, province of Messina. Promoted by the Coro Lirico Siciliano and artistically directed by Francesco Costa, the festival combines opera, symphonic concerts, civil memory, and musical cross-pollination across more than forty events throughout the summer.

The 2026 edition: "Caressing Eternity"

The eighth edition, titled "Caressing Eternity", takes place from July 12 to September 18, 2026, in Sicily's most important archaeological parks. The operatic heart of the season is Giuseppe Verdi's Nabucco, the only opera performed in the island's three great historical arenas. In Taormina, the most anticipated event is on August 7th, on the stage of the Ancient Theatre, featuring an international cast led by soprano Elena Mosuc in the role of Abigaille.

The Taormina evenings

• August 7 – Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi, grand operatic finale at the Ancient Theatre
• August 19 – A tribute to Ennio Morricone, marking the 60th anniversary of "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" and the 40th of "The Mission"
• August 20 – "Elements of Light", a project inspired by the minimalism of Ludovico Einaudi, in its world premiere

Between history and modernity

The entire programme is accompanied by the work of the Coro Lirico Siciliano, guardian of an artistic tradition that continues to engage with the contemporary world. Beyond the great operas, the festival offers tributes to Hans Zimmer and cinematic soundtracks, homages to Franco Battiato, and projects dedicated to new music, with a constant focus on inclusion: for years, performances have been accompanied by Sign Language interpretation thanks to the collaboration with "Sicilia, turismo per Tutti".

Why experience the festival in Taormina

Attending an opera at the Ancient Theatre of Taormina means listening to music in the very place where Greek and Roman dramas were once staged, with a view stretching between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. It is an experience that blends archaeological heritage, Mediterranean landscape, and top-tier musical quality, making the Stone Theatres Lyric Festival one of the Sicilian Region's major tourist attractions.