F E S T I V A L L I R I C O D E I T E A T R I D I P I E T R A 2 0 2 6
Nabucco
by Giuseppe Verdi
Ancient Theatre, Friday 7th August 2026 @ 9:00pm
Nabucco (short for Nabucodonosor) is an Italian-language opera in four acts composed in 1841 by Giuseppe Verdi to an Italian libretto by Temistocle Solera. The libretto is based on biblical books.
Nabucco is the opera that is considered to have permanently established Verdi’s reputation as a composer.
This Opera is frequently heard around the world today.
When the Metropolitan Opera House of New York opened its season in September 2001, eleven days after the destruction of the World Trade Center, the chorus began by singing “Va, pensiero” in honor of the victims of the attack.
Direction: Salvo Dolce
Cast: Badral Chuluunbaatar (Nabucco), Elena Mosuc (Abigaille)
TICKETS on ticketone
Parterre Gold (Platea, central): € 75,00
Parterre (Platea, lateral): € 65,00
Tribunetta Gold (Gallery, central): € 55,00
Tribunetta (Gallery, lateral): € 45,00
Cavea, central, numbered seats: € 33,00
Cavea, lateral, non-numbered seats: € 22,00
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera – Hotel Villa Schuler – Hotel Villa Ducale – Hotel Villa Carlotta
MORE INFO
Associazione Coro Lirico Siciliano > www.facebook.com/coroliricosiciliano
S y n o p s i s
Time: 587 BC
Place: Jerusalem and Babylon
Act 1: Jerusalem
The Israelites pray as the Babylonian army advances on their city (“Gli arredi festivi giù cadano infranti” / “Throw down and destroy all festive decorations”). The High Priest Zaccaria tells the people not to despair but to trust in God (“D’Egitto là su i lidi” / “On the shores of Egypt He saved the life of Moses”). The presence of a hostage, Fenena, younger daughter of Nabucco, King of Babylon, may yet secure peace (“Come notte a sol fulgente” / “Like darkness before the sun”). Zaccaria entrusts Fenena to Ismaele, nephew of the King of Jerusalem and a former envoy to Babylon. Left alone, Fenena and Ismaele recall how they fell in love when Ismaele was held prisoner by the Babylonians, and how Fenena helped him to escape to Israel. Nabucco’s supposed elder daughter, Abigaille, enters the temple with Babylonian soldiers in disguise. She, too, loves Ismaele. Discovering the lovers, she threatens Ismaele: if he does not give up Fenena, Abigaille will accuse her of treason. If Ismaele returns Abigaille’s love, however, Abigaille will petition Nabucco on the Israelites’ behalf. Ismaele tells Abigaille that he cannot love her and she vows revenge. Nabucco enters with his warriors (“Viva Nabucco” / “Long live Nabucco”). Zaccaria defies him, threatening to kill Fenena if Nabucco attacks the temple. Ismaele intervenes to save Fenena, which removes any impediment from Nabucco destroying the temple. He orders this, while Zaccaria and the Israelites curse Ismaele as a traitor.
Act 2: The Impious One
Scene 1: Royal apartments in Babylon
Nabucco has appointed Fenena regent and guardian of the Israelite prisoners, while he continues the battle against the Israelites. Abigaille has discovered a document that proves she is not Nabucco’s real daughter, but the daughter of slaves. She reflects bitterly on Nabucco’s refusal to allow her to play a role in the war with the Israelites and recalls past happiness (“Anch’io dischiuso un giorno” / “I too once opened my heart to happiness”). The High Priest of Baal informs Abigaille that Fenena has released the Israelite captives. He plans for Abigaille to become ruler of Babylon, and with this intention has spread the rumour that Nabucco has died in battle. Abigaille determines to seize the throne (“Salgo già del trono aurato” / “I already ascend the golden throne”).
Scene 2: A room in the palace
Nabucco’s mad scene with Bastiaan Everink [nl] in the title role
Zaccaria reads over the Tablets of Law (“Vieni, o Levita” / “Come, oh Levite!”), then goes to summon Fenena. A group of Levites accuse Ismaele of treachery. Zaccaria returns with Fenena and his sister Anna. Anna tells the Levites that Fenena has converted to Judaism, and urges them to forgive Ismaele. Abdallo, a soldier, announces the death of Nabucco and warns of the rebellion instigated by Abigaille. Abigaille enters with the High Priest of Baal and demands the crown from Fenena. Unexpectedly, Nabucco himself enters; pushing through the crowd, he seizes the crown and declares himself not only king of the Babylonians but also their god. The high priest Zaccaria curses him and warns of divine vengeance; an incensed Nabucco in turn orders the death of the Israelites. Fenena reveals to him that she has embraced the Jewish religion and will share the Israelites’ fate. Nabucco is furious and repeats his conviction that he is now divine (“Non son più re, son dio” / “I am no longer King! I am God!”). A crashing thunderbolt strikes Nabucco down, and he promptly loses his senses. The crown falls from his head and is picked up by Abigaille, who pronounces herself ruler of the Babylonians.
Act 3: The Prophecy
Scene 1: The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Abigaille is now Queen of Babylon. The High Priest of Baal presents her with the death warrant for the Israelites, as well as for Fenena. Nabucco, still insane, tries to reclaim the throne without success. Though his consent to the death warrant is no longer necessary, Abigaille tricks him into signing it. When Nabucco learns that he has consigned his (true) daughter to death, he is overcome with grief and anger. He tells Abigaille that he is not in fact her father and searches for the document evidencing her true origins as a slave. Abigaille mocks him, produces the document and tears it up. Realizing his powerlessness, Nabucco pleads for Fenena’s life (“Oh di qual onta aggravasi questo mio crin canuto” / “Oh, what shame must my old head suffer”). Abigaille is unmoved and orders Nabucco to leave her.
Scene 2: The banks of the River Euphrates
The Israelites long for their homeland (“Va, pensiero, sull’ali dorate” / “Fly, thought, on golden wings”). The high priest Zaccaria once again exhorts them to have faith: God will destroy Babylon. The Israelites are inspired by his words.
Act 4: The Broken Idol
Nabucco awakens, still confused and raving. He sees Fenena in chains being taken to her death. In despair, he prays to the God of the Hebrews. He asks for forgiveness, and promises to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem and convert to Judaism if his prayers are answered (“Dio di Giuda” / “God of Judah!”). Miraculously, his strength and reason are immediately restored. Abdallo and loyal soldiers enter to release him. Nabucco resolves to rescue Fenena and the Israelites as well as to punish the traitors.
Scene 2: The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Fenena and the Israelite prisoners are led in to be sacrificed (orchestral interlude and “Va! La palma del martirio” / “Go, win the palm of martyrdom”). Fenena serenely prepares for death (“O dischiuso è il firmamento” / “O open is the firmament”). Nabucco rushes in with Abdallo and other soldiers. He declares that he will rebuild the Temple of Jerusalem and worship the God of the Israelites, ordering the destruction of the idol of Baal. At his word, the idol falls to the ground of its own accord and shatters into pieces. Nabucco tells the Israelites that they are now free and all join in praise of Jehovah. Abigaille enters, supported by soldiers. She has poisoned herself. She begs forgiveness of Fenena, prays for God’s mercy and dies. Zaccaria proclaims Nabucco the servant of God and king of kings.
(source: Wikipedia)
August 7, 2026 – Nabucco by G. Verdi
F E S T I V A L L I R I C O D E I T E A T R I D I P I E T R A 2 0 2 6
Nabucco
by Giuseppe Verdi
Ancient Theatre, Friday 7th August 2026 @ 9:00pm
Nabucco (short for Nabucodonosor) is an Italian-language opera in four acts composed in 1841 by Giuseppe Verdi to an Italian libretto by Temistocle Solera. The libretto is based on biblical books.
Nabucco is the opera that is considered to have permanently established Verdi’s reputation as a composer.
This Opera is frequently heard around the world today.
When the Metropolitan Opera House of New York opened its season in September 2001, eleven days after the destruction of the World Trade Center, the chorus began by singing “Va, pensiero” in honor of the victims of the attack.
Direction: Salvo Dolce
Cast: Badral Chuluunbaatar (Nabucco), Elena Mosuc (Abigaille)
TICKETS on ticketone
Parterre Gold (Platea, central): € 75,00
Parterre (Platea, lateral): € 65,00
Tribunetta Gold (Gallery, central): € 55,00
Tribunetta (Gallery, lateral): € 45,00
Cavea, central, numbered seats: € 33,00
Cavea, lateral, non-numbered seats: € 22,00
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera – Hotel Villa Schuler – Hotel Villa Ducale – Hotel Villa Carlotta
MORE INFO
Associazione Coro Lirico Siciliano > www.facebook.com/coroliricosiciliano
S y n o p s i s
Time: 587 BC
Place: Jerusalem and Babylon
Act 1: Jerusalem
The Israelites pray as the Babylonian army advances on their city (“Gli arredi festivi giù cadano infranti” / “Throw down and destroy all festive decorations”). The High Priest Zaccaria tells the people not to despair but to trust in God (“D’Egitto là su i lidi” / “On the shores of Egypt He saved the life of Moses”). The presence of a hostage, Fenena, younger daughter of Nabucco, King of Babylon, may yet secure peace (“Come notte a sol fulgente” / “Like darkness before the sun”). Zaccaria entrusts Fenena to Ismaele, nephew of the King of Jerusalem and a former envoy to Babylon. Left alone, Fenena and Ismaele recall how they fell in love when Ismaele was held prisoner by the Babylonians, and how Fenena helped him to escape to Israel. Nabucco’s supposed elder daughter, Abigaille, enters the temple with Babylonian soldiers in disguise. She, too, loves Ismaele. Discovering the lovers, she threatens Ismaele: if he does not give up Fenena, Abigaille will accuse her of treason. If Ismaele returns Abigaille’s love, however, Abigaille will petition Nabucco on the Israelites’ behalf. Ismaele tells Abigaille that he cannot love her and she vows revenge. Nabucco enters with his warriors (“Viva Nabucco” / “Long live Nabucco”). Zaccaria defies him, threatening to kill Fenena if Nabucco attacks the temple. Ismaele intervenes to save Fenena, which removes any impediment from Nabucco destroying the temple. He orders this, while Zaccaria and the Israelites curse Ismaele as a traitor.
Act 2: The Impious One
Scene 1: Royal apartments in Babylon
Nabucco has appointed Fenena regent and guardian of the Israelite prisoners, while he continues the battle against the Israelites. Abigaille has discovered a document that proves she is not Nabucco’s real daughter, but the daughter of slaves. She reflects bitterly on Nabucco’s refusal to allow her to play a role in the war with the Israelites and recalls past happiness (“Anch’io dischiuso un giorno” / “I too once opened my heart to happiness”). The High Priest of Baal informs Abigaille that Fenena has released the Israelite captives. He plans for Abigaille to become ruler of Babylon, and with this intention has spread the rumour that Nabucco has died in battle. Abigaille determines to seize the throne (“Salgo già del trono aurato” / “I already ascend the golden throne”).
Scene 2: A room in the palace
Nabucco’s mad scene with Bastiaan Everink [nl] in the title role
Zaccaria reads over the Tablets of Law (“Vieni, o Levita” / “Come, oh Levite!”), then goes to summon Fenena. A group of Levites accuse Ismaele of treachery. Zaccaria returns with Fenena and his sister Anna. Anna tells the Levites that Fenena has converted to Judaism, and urges them to forgive Ismaele. Abdallo, a soldier, announces the death of Nabucco and warns of the rebellion instigated by Abigaille. Abigaille enters with the High Priest of Baal and demands the crown from Fenena. Unexpectedly, Nabucco himself enters; pushing through the crowd, he seizes the crown and declares himself not only king of the Babylonians but also their god. The high priest Zaccaria curses him and warns of divine vengeance; an incensed Nabucco in turn orders the death of the Israelites. Fenena reveals to him that she has embraced the Jewish religion and will share the Israelites’ fate. Nabucco is furious and repeats his conviction that he is now divine (“Non son più re, son dio” / “I am no longer King! I am God!”). A crashing thunderbolt strikes Nabucco down, and he promptly loses his senses. The crown falls from his head and is picked up by Abigaille, who pronounces herself ruler of the Babylonians.
Act 3: The Prophecy
Scene 1: The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Abigaille is now Queen of Babylon. The High Priest of Baal presents her with the death warrant for the Israelites, as well as for Fenena. Nabucco, still insane, tries to reclaim the throne without success. Though his consent to the death warrant is no longer necessary, Abigaille tricks him into signing it. When Nabucco learns that he has consigned his (true) daughter to death, he is overcome with grief and anger. He tells Abigaille that he is not in fact her father and searches for the document evidencing her true origins as a slave. Abigaille mocks him, produces the document and tears it up. Realizing his powerlessness, Nabucco pleads for Fenena’s life (“Oh di qual onta aggravasi questo mio crin canuto” / “Oh, what shame must my old head suffer”). Abigaille is unmoved and orders Nabucco to leave her.
Scene 2: The banks of the River Euphrates
The Israelites long for their homeland (“Va, pensiero, sull’ali dorate” / “Fly, thought, on golden wings”). The high priest Zaccaria once again exhorts them to have faith: God will destroy Babylon. The Israelites are inspired by his words.
Act 4: The Broken Idol
Nabucco awakens, still confused and raving. He sees Fenena in chains being taken to her death. In despair, he prays to the God of the Hebrews. He asks for forgiveness, and promises to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem and convert to Judaism if his prayers are answered (“Dio di Giuda” / “God of Judah!”). Miraculously, his strength and reason are immediately restored. Abdallo and loyal soldiers enter to release him. Nabucco resolves to rescue Fenena and the Israelites as well as to punish the traitors.
Scene 2: The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Fenena and the Israelite prisoners are led in to be sacrificed (orchestral interlude and “Va! La palma del martirio” / “Go, win the palm of martyrdom”). Fenena serenely prepares for death (“O dischiuso è il firmamento” / “O open is the firmament”). Nabucco rushes in with Abdallo and other soldiers. He declares that he will rebuild the Temple of Jerusalem and worship the God of the Israelites, ordering the destruction of the idol of Baal. At his word, the idol falls to the ground of its own accord and shatters into pieces. Nabucco tells the Israelites that they are now free and all join in praise of Jehovah. Abigaille enters, supported by soldiers. She has poisoned herself. She begs forgiveness of Fenena, prays for God’s mercy and dies. Zaccaria proclaims Nabucco the servant of God and king of kings.
(source: Wikipedia)
August 5, 2026 – Pink Floyd Legend
Pink Floyd Legend
The Dark Side of the Moon TOUR
Ancient Theatre, 5th August 2026 @ 9:00pm
TICKETS on ticketone
Platea: € 79,00
Gallery: € 69,00
Cavea, numbered seats: € 55,00
Cavea, non-numbered seats: € 43,00
MORE INFO
pinkfloydlegend.com
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera – Hotel Villa Schuler – Hotel Villa Ducale – Hotel Villa Carlotta
August 4, 2026 – La Bella Addormentata & Cronaca di Cavalleria Rusticana
Cronaca da Cavalleria Rusticana
Chronicles from Rustican Chivalry
and
La bella Addormentata nel Bosco
The Sleeping Beauty
Ancient Theatre, Tuesday 4 August 2026
Corps de Ballet: Balletto di Sicilia
Cronache da Cavalleria Rusticana
Idea, Direction and Choreography: Giuseppe Bonanno
Lyrics and Dramaturgy: Mino Cassano
Light Designer: Luigi Riccobono
Art Director: Pietro Gorgone
Cast
The Journalist: Mino Cassano (Guest Star)
The Destiny: Vittoria Purgino
Santuzza: Ilaria Frazzetto
Turiddu: Francesco Zappalà
Lola: Emanuela Puglia
Alfio: Kristi Ismailaj
TICKETS and INFOLINE
+39 349 5959101
INFO
Organization: Balletto di Sicilia – +39 349 5959101
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera – Hotel Villa Schuler – Hotel Villa Ducale – Hotel Villa Carlotta
August 2, 2026 – “Armonie di pietre e stelle”, Art and music pro Rotary Foundation
Armonie di pietre e stelle
Art and music pro Rotary Foundation
Ancient Theatre, Sunday 2nd August 2026 @ 7:00pm
Art, music and solidarity come together at the Ancient Theater of Taormina to support The Rotary Foundation.
The event is open to everyone, Rotary International members and non-members alike, to share an evening of culture, entertainment, and solidarity, contributing to a truly valuable project.
On stage: Puccio Castrogiovanni, Chrome Ensemble, Vincenzo Incenzo, and the Compagnia di Danze Storiche, a dance school specialised in historical dances.
The evening will be hosted by Ruggero Sardo.
TICKETS on boxol or arsk your Rotary Club
Parterre (platea): € 40,00
Gallery (tribunetta): € 35,00
Cavea (non-numbered seats): € 20,00
MORE INFO
www.facebook.com/people/Armonie-di-pietre-e-stelle-Arte-e-musica-pro-Rotary-Foundation
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera – Hotel Villa Schuler – Hotel Villa Ducale – Hotel Villa Carlotta
August 1, 2026 – Ambra Angiolini in “Waking up the day” @ 5:00am
F E S T I V A L I N T E R N A Z I O N A L E T A O R M I N A A R T E
Ambra Angiolini in
“Svegliare il giorno” – Waking up the Day
National Prémiere
Ancient Theatre, Saturday 1st August 2026 @5.00 am
With Ambra Angiolini and the Taormina Plectrum Orchestra directed by Maestro Antonio Pellitteri
Text: Chandra Livia Candiani
Music: Franco Battiato
Musical arrangements: Antonino Pellitteri
A production by Fondazione Taormina Arte Sicilia
TICKETS on boxol and ticketone
€ 20,00 + fees
MORE INFO
Fondazione Taormina Arte Sicilia > ticket@taoarte.it / info@taormina-arte.com – +39 391 7462 146
www.facebook.com/fondazionetaorminartesicilia
Ambra Angiolini > www.instagram.com/ambraofficial
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera – Hotel Villa Schuler – Hotel Villa Ducale – Hotel Villa Carlotta
August 1, 2026 – Claudio Baglioni
R E S C H E D U L E D F O R N E X T Y E A R
Claudio Baglioni
Ancient Theatre, Saturday 1st August 2026
Claudio Baglioni (1951) is an Italian pop singer-songwriter and musician. His career has been going on for over 50 years. He is considered one of the most successful pop rock singer-songwriters in the history of Italian music, he has sold over 60 million records, among which Questo piccolo grande amore from 1972 stands out, of which the song of the same name was awarded «song of the century»,
Baglioni has been awarded with the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
TICKETS on ticketone and boxol >> RESCHEDULED
MORE INFO
Fondazione Taormina Arte – https://taorminaarte.org – info@taorminaarte.org
Claudio Baglioni Official Website: www.baglioni.it
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera – Hotel Villa Schuler – Hotel Villa Ducale – Hotel Villa Carlotta
July 31, 2026 – Claudio Baglioni
R E S C H E D U L E D F O R N E X T Y E A R
Claudio Baglioni
Ancient Theatre, Friday 31th July 2026
Claudio Baglioni (1951) is an Italian pop singer-songwriter and musician. His career has been going on for over 50 years. He is considered one of the most successful pop rock singer-songwriters in the history of Italian music, he has sold over 60 million records, among which Questo piccolo grande amore from 1972 stands out, of which the song of the same name was awarded «song of the century»,
Baglioni has been awarded with the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
TICKETS on ticketone and boxol >> RESCHEDULED
MORE INFO
Fondazione Taormina Arte – https://taorminaarte.org – info@taorminaarte.org
Claudio Baglioni Official Website: www.baglioni.it
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera – Hotel Villa Schuler – Hotel Villa Ducale – Hotel Villa Carlotta
July 29, 2026 – Parade of marching bands along Corso Umberto
Parade of marching bands along the Taormina’s historical centre
Taormina, around 4:30pm
Free event
In occasion of the 40th anniversary of the foundation of the Corpo Musicale “Vincenzo Bellini” Mazzeo Città di Taormina, musical bands of the provinces of Messina e Catania will march along the main pedestrian street of the town.
The parade will start from Porta Messina around 4:30pm. A special performance is planned in Piazza IX Aprile around 6:30pm.
Small refreshment around 9:00pm
MORE INFO
www.facebook.com/CorpoMusicaleBelliniMazzeoTaormina
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera – Hotel Villa Schuler – Hotel Villa Ducale – Hotel Villa Carlotta
July 29, 2026 – Marching Bands Parade
Marching Bands Parade
Corso Umberto, Wednesday 29 July 2026 @ 5:00pm
On the occasion of its 40th anniversary, the “Banda Bellini Città di Mazzeo” will parade through Taormina’s main street accompanied by:
1. The Majorettes – City of Randazzo
2. Musical Association “V. Bellini” – City of Santa Teresa di Riva
3. Band “Rosario Lampuri” – City of Castiglione di Sicilia
4. Flag-Wavers Group – City of Randazzo
MORE INFO
Corpo Musicale “V. Bellini” Mazzeo Città di Taormina – www.facebook.com/CorpoMusicaleBelliniMazzeoTaormina – bandabellinimazzeo@gmail.com
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera – Hotel Villa Schuler – Hotel Villa Ducale – Hotel Villa Carlotta
July 26, 2026 – Taormina Jazz Festival > Cécile MacLorin Salvant
T A O R M I N A J A Z Z F E S T I V A L
Cécile MacLorin Salvant
Ancient Theatre, Sunday 26th July 2026 @ 9:00pm
This singer is one of the most innovative and sophisticated artists on the contemporary international jazz scene. Cécile McLorin Salvant, winner of three Grammy Awards, has developed throughout her career a deeply personal artistic vision that spans jazz, blues, vaudeville, musical theater, and folk traditions from different parts of the world, creating a language that is profoundly narrative, eclectic, and emotionally compelling.
CÉCILE MCLORIN SALVANT – VOCALS
SULLIVAN FORTNER – PIANO
YASUSHI NAKAMURA – BASS
KYLE POOLE – DRUMS
Part of the proceeds from the festival’s closing concert of the Taormina Jazz festival featuring Cécile McLorin Salvant will be donated to the TMA 3.0 Center in Syracuse, which provides daily therapeutic and inclusion programs for children and young people with autism, as well as support for their families.
Learn more about the TMA 3.0 Center: terapiamultisistemica.it
TICKETS on ticketone
Use the code TJF2026-CECILE to get discounted tickets
Parterre: € 40,00
Gallery: € 30,00
Cavea (non-numbered seats): € 17,00
MORE INFO
Taormina Jazz Festival
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera – Hotel Villa Schuler – Hotel Villa Ducale – Hotel Villa Carlotta