Founded in 1986, ‘Lirica in Piazza’ (Opera in the Square) is back again for 2025, showing three different operas from August 3 – 5 at the open-air theatre in Massa Marittima.
This small town, with a population of only 8,286 as of 2017, is home to the impressive Cathedral of San Cerbone, and this is right next to where the annual event takes place in the Piazza Garibaldi. The Cathedral was first built in the 13th century by an anonymous architect. Whilst its exterior primarily resembles that of a Romanesque-Pisan style, both Sienese and Gothic aspects are revealed in the spires and ogival mullioned window.
Its interior is home to an array of famous artworks, including those created by Rutilio Manetti and Giovanni Pisano. One of the most striking works can be found in the chapel to the left of the major one: a Maestà painted by the influential Duccio di Buoninsegna. Known for his determination to move beyond the traditional Byzantine style, this work inhabits a more gothic element with the Madonna’s dark, detailed robe contrasting its gold background.
If this stunning location alone is not enticing enough, the Opera performances themselves are sure to leave their audiences impressed. This year’s programme consists of Puccini’s Turandot, Donizetti’s Elisir D’Amore, and Verdi’s Aida.
All three will be directed by Italian soprano Katia Ricciarelli and Alessio Rizzitiello with Maestro Leonardo Quadrini conducting the the Campania International Orchestra.
The three-act Turandot is set in China, following a Prince who seeks to marry Princess Turandot but must first solve three riddles. The opera was completed posthumously following Puccini’s death in 1924, and this production stars Daniela Zerbinati as the Princess and Francesco Cascione as the King, both of whom have previously worked with Ricciarelli.
Donizetti’s Elisir D’Amore is composed of two acts and is defined as a dramma giocoso – a genre of opera with a comic element. It tells the story of the poor peasant, Nemorino, who desperately consumes an elixir he believes to be a love potion in order to win the affection of the wealthy Adina. This opera stars Neapolitan tenor Stefano Sorrentino and soprano Francesca Bruni in the roles of Nemorino and Adina respectively.
Aida‘s four-acts are set in Egypt with Verdi depicting the Egyptians who have kidnapped the Princess of Ethiopia. Conflict ensues between the King of Egypt and a military commander, Radamès, torn between his loyalty to the King and his love for the Princess. This year’s Lirica in Piazza production will see Agostino Subacchi, Mariangela Zito, and Michael Spadaccini as its leads. Aida continues to be one of the most popular operas in the modern day, having been previously performed at the event back in 2017, which is a testament to its brilliance.
The shows begin at 9:15 pm and tickets for each day cost between €15 – €60, or alternatively 2-day or 3-day passes can be purchased, which can be found on the Lirica in Piazza website. (Scarlet Claydon-Jones)
