Stone Theatres Lyric Festival
Opera and grand music in the ancient theatres of Sicily
About Stone Theatres
A festival amidst the ancient stones of Sicily
The Stone Theatres Lyric Festival is one of the most fascinating classical music events in Southern Italy: a travelling programme that transforms Sicily's ancient theatres into open-air stages for opera, symphonic music, dance, and theatre. Promoted by the Coro Lirico Siciliano, the festival spans over forty stops from July to September, touching the island's iconic Greco-Roman landmarks: from the Greek Theatre of Syracuse to Taormina, from Tindari to Segesta, and even monumental sites like Selinunte, Morgantina, and the Argimusco plateau.
Syracuse, the beating heart of the programme
In the municipality of Syracuse, the majestic Greek Theatre hosts some of the season's most anticipated events every year. The stone of the Neapolis Archaeological Park becomes a natural sounding board for great operatic voices and orchestras, creating a unique dialogue between archaeological heritage and live performance. Recognised by the Sicilian Region as a major tourist attraction, the festival combines artistic quality with the enhancement of the island's cultural landscape.
Myth, music, and social commitment
The festival's hallmark is the encounter between Mediterranean myth and great music: alongside operatic repertoire staples—Verdi, Mozart, and the masterpieces of the 19th century—there is space for tributes to great contemporary and film composers, from Ennio Morricone to Hans Zimmer, as well as productions that weave together singing, dance, and spectacular set designs within Sicily's monumental contexts.
An appointment for cultural tourism
- Over forty events spread across Sicily, from July to September
- Exceptional venues: the island's Greek and Roman theatres and archaeological sites
- International casts and original projects by the Coro Lirico Siciliano
- In Syracuse, evening performances at the Greek Theatre of the Neapolis
For the audience, it is an opportunity to experience opera and great music in an unrepeatable setting, where the acoustics and history of the stone theatres amplify the emotion of every evening.
Stone Theatres — edition 2026
2026 Edition: "Caressing Eternity"
The eighth edition of the Stone Theatres Lyric Festival, promoted by the Coro Lirico Siciliano, runs from July 12 to September 18, 2026, with over forty events distributed across Sicily's most evocative ancient theatres and archaeological sites.
Events in Syracuse
The Greek Theatre of Syracuse debuts on July 18 with a new production of Giuseppe Verdi's Nabucco, directed by Salvo Dolce, featuring an international cast led by soprano Elena Mosuc (Abigaille) and Badral Chuluumbaatar in the title role; the show will then continue to Tindari (August 4) and Taormina (August 7). On July 31, the Greek Theatre welcomes the symphonic tribute to Hans Zimmer, a stop on the tour that will also visit Palermo, Tindari, and Taormina.
The 2026 programme also includes Mozart's Requiem, tributes to Ennio Morricone, Franco Battiato, and Ludovico Einaudi, and projects of significant social value, confirming the festival as a major tourist attraction for the Sicilian Region.
Programme Stone Theatres 2026
Stops in Syracuse (Greek Theatre):
- July 18 — Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi, new production, directed by Salvo Dolce, with Elena Mosuc (Abigaille) and Badral Chuluumbaatar (Nabucco)
- July 31 — Symphonic tribute to Hans Zimmer
Other titles of the 2026 edition (in Sicily): Mozart's Requiem, tribute to Franco Battiato, tribute to Ennio Morricone, "Elements of Light" on Ludovico Einaudi, and over forty events from July 12 to September 18.
Highlights Stone Theatres 2026
- New production of Verdi's Nabucco at the Greek Theatre of Syracuse (July 18)
- Symphonic tribute to Hans Zimmer (July 31)
- International cast: Elena Mosuc and Badral Chuluumbaatar
- Over 40 events in Sicily's ancient theatres
Prices Stone Theatres 2026
Practical information — Stone Theatres
How to get there
The Greek Theatre is located in the Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse. By car: A18/A19 to Catania, then RA15 (Syracuse-Catania motorway) and take the Syracuse exit. By train: Syracuse station, connected to Catania and Messina, then local bus or taxi to the Neapolis. Nearest airport: Catania-Fontanarossa, about an hour away.
Tickets
Tickets for performances at the Greek Theatre of Syracuse and other festival stops are available through the official Coro Lirico Siciliano channels and pre-sale networks. Early booking is recommended for the most popular events.
Tips
Performances are held outdoors in the evening: bring a light jacket. Arrive early to reach the archaeological park and find your seat.
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Where does it take place — Stone Theatres
Teatro Greco di Siracusa