Verdi Festival
The grand opera festival dedicated to Giuseppe Verdi between Parma and Busseto
About Verdi Festival
A festival in the heart of the Verdian lands
The Verdi Festival is the major opera event that transforms Parma, in Emilia-Romagna, into the international capital of melodrama every autumn. Organized by the Teatro Regio di Parma, the festival is entirely dedicated to Giuseppe Verdi, born in Roncole di Busseto, a few kilometers from the city. Here, the love for opera is a deep-rooted popular tradition: the Parmesan public is world-renowned for its expertise and passion, and the festival was created precisely to celebrate the composer in the places where he grew up.
The program unfolds on two historic stages: the Teatro Regio di Parma, a neoclassical jewel in the city center, and the small and precious Teatro Giuseppe Verdi di Busseto, in the nearby town in the province of Parma. Numerous collateral events are also held in churches, squares, and city spaces.
Operas, concerts, and great performers
Each edition features three Verdi titles, often in new productions by internationally renowned directors and conductors, alongside revivals of historic productions. The program is not limited to operas: it includes the Verdi Gala, the solemn Messa da Requiem, symphonic and chamber concerts, recitals, and events with the young Verdian Academy, a breeding ground for new singing talents.
Verdi Off: opera beyond the theaters
The popular heart of the event is Verdi Off, the widespread and largely free program that brings Verdi's music outside the theaters: into squares, neighborhoods, hospitals, nursing homes, and everyday places. Inaugurated by the colorful Verdi Street Parade, Verdi Off features hundreds of events, making the festival an experience shared by the entire community.
The XXVI Edition 2026 — "Distant Worlds"
From October 1st to 25th, 2026, the twenty-sixth edition will take place, dedicated to the theme "Distant Worlds," a reflection on cultural diversity and dialogue between peoples. Three titles are on the bill: Alzira, a rare opera conducted by James Conlon; Nabucodonosor in Pier Luigi Pizzi's production conducted by Francesco Lanzillotta; and Aida in Franco Zeffirelli's historic production, at the Teatro Verdi in Busseto.
Why it's worth the trip
For opera enthusiasts, the Verdi Festival is an unmissable event: few places in the world offer the chance to hear Verdi in his homeland, with an audience that experiences opera as part of their identity. A visit to the festival can easily be combined with discovering Parma's gastronomy and art, and the Verdian sites of the Bassa Parmense.
Verdi Festival — edition 2026
The twenty-sixth edition of the Verdi Festival takes place from October 1st to 25th, 2026, between the Teatro Regio of Parma and the Teatro Giuseppe Verdi of Busseto, with the theme "Distant Worlds." Alongside the three operas on the bill, the program includes numerous celebratory events and the widespread free Verdi Off calendar, in its eleventh edition.
Programme Verdi Festival 2026
Operas on the bill
- Alzira — Teatro Regio di Parma. New production, conducted by James Conlon, directed by Manuel Renga. Cast includes Marta Torbidoni, Antonio Poli, Daniel Luis De Vicente. Performances on October 1st, 8th, and 17th. A rare title, absent from the Festival since 2002.
- Nabucodonosor — Teatro Regio di Parma. New production (co-production with Teatro Comunale di Bologna), conducted by Francesco Lanzillotta, directed by Pier Luigi Pizzi. Cast includes Ariunbaatar Ganbaatar, Lidia Fridman, Michele Pertusi. Performances on October 3rd, 11th, 18th, and 24th.
- Aida — Teatro Giuseppe Verdi di Busseto. Historic production by Franco Zeffirelli, conducted by Giuseppe Mengoli. Cast includes Federica Vitali, Vincenzo Costanzo, Teresa Iervolino. Performances on October 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 25th.
Concerts and celebratory events (Teatro Regio di Parma)
- Verdi Gala — October 10th, conducted by James Conlon.
- Fuoco di Gioia, charity gala by Club dei 27 — October 14th.
- Verdian Academy Concert — October 21st, featuring young singing talents.
- Messa da Requiem — October 23rd.
Ramificazioni
A series of four concerts (October 4th, 7th, 15th, and 22nd) with the Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini and guest ensembles, including conductors Ingo Metzmacher and Daniel Blumenthal.
Verdi Off (XI Edition)
Widespread and largely free program, inaugurated by the Verdi Street Parade (September 19th, 2026) through the streets of Parma's center. Hundreds of events in squares, neighborhoods, and healthcare facilities. Open rehearsals for the public are also scheduled.
Official program on the Teatro Regio di Parma website. The final details of times and cast are updated on the official website.
Highlights Verdi Festival 2026
Prices Verdi Festival 2026
Practical information — Verdi Festival
How to get there
Parma is on the Milan-Bologna railway line, with high-speed and Intercity trains; the station is a few minutes' walk from the Teatro Regio. By car, take the Parma exit from the A1 motorway. For performances at the Teatro Giuseppe Verdi in Busseto (about 40 km from Parma), dedicated shuttle services are often provided.
Tickets
The Teatro Regio ticket office is located at Strada Giuseppe Garibaldi 16/A in Parma. Online sales and advance booking through the official channels of the Teatro Regio; tel. +39 0521 203999. Verdi Off events are largely free.
Tips
Book opera tickets well in advance: performances at the Teatro Verdi in Busseto, with its small capacity, sell out quickly. Combine your visit with the Verdian sites (Birthplace of Roncole, Villa Verdi in Sant'Agata) and Parma's gastronomic traditions.
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Where does it take place — Verdi Festival
Teatro Regio di Parma
Strada Giuseppe Garibaldi 16/A, 43121 Parma