Macbeth in its French version, La battaglia di Legnano, Un ballo in maschera, Attila. Four operas, a new concert section, installations, performance, entitled Ramificazioni, together with Messa da Requiem and Gala Verdiano: this is what constitutes the structure of XXIV Festival Verdi di Parma e Busseto, from September 21 to October 21, 2024, kicking off with the Verdi Street Parade and whose complete will be officially presented next December 14, 2023.

The operas presenting new productions will be performed at Teatro Regio di Parma: Macbeth in its French version (September 26; October 6, 13, 17, 2024) and La battaglia di Legnano (September 29 October 4, 20, 2024) and at Teatro Giuseppe Verdi di Busseto Un ballo in maschera (September 27, 28; October 5, 12, 18, 2024). At Teatro Girolamo Magnani di Fidenza Attila in its concert form (October 3, 11, 2024).

Festival Verdi renews its structure and consolidates the collaboration of Teatro Regio with La Toscanini, the Choir of del Teatro Regio di Parma prompted by Martino Faggiani and with Teatro Comunale di Bologna, while strengthening it scientific collaboration with Istituto Nazionale di Studi Verdiani.

Festival Verdi’s magical atmosphere will be experienced in the unique and wonderful spaces around Parma, Italian Capital of Culture and UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, home of great art, fine music and phenomenal food.

While admiring incredible works of art, savouring the sublime food and typical products that have made the Food Valley famous all over the world and listening to the music of the Grande Maestro you will discover the true spirit of Parma. The tour explores the Land of Verdi – Busseto, Roncole Verdi and Sant’Agata (if available) – where the maestro was born, lived and honed his art, and the region of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza, strewn with fascinating fortresses and castles.

SUGGESTED CUSTOMIZABLE ITINERARY

FIRST DAY

First day in Parma and trip to the city: a step back in time in Piazza Duomo with a visit to the imposing medieval Cathedral and pink-marble Baptistry. Next is a visit to the Pilotta Monumental Complex, with its amazing and unique wooden theatre Teatro Farnese and the National Gallery with works by Correggio, Parmigianino, Leonardo and other hugely important artists. A walk across Ponte Verdi to the other part of Parma’s historic centre and a visit to the house where Toscanini was born, the Museo Casa Natale di Toscanini.

Tasting-lunch in a typical trattoria in Parma, including Parmigiano Reggiano and our delicious deli meats, Parma Ham, Salame Felino, Fiocchetto di Prosciutto, Coppa and our most typical dishes and wines.

A free afternoon or a guided tour of the historical delicatessens of Parma’s city centre with possible tastings of typical products: Parmigiano-Reggiano, Parma Ham and Culatello di Zibello, Salame di Felino, Colli di Parma wines.

Dinner of your choice and an evening dedicated to music in the splendidly elegant neoclassical Teatro Regio di Parma, temple of Italian opera, with a performance of either Macbeth french version, La battaglia di Legnano, Messa da Requiem.

Night in a hotel.

SECOND DAY

Breakfast and a trip to discover and experience the Land of Verdi, the places and atmospheres of the Great Maestro’s life: Casa Natale (his birthplace) in Roncole, Museo Casa Barezzi and Teatro Verdi in Busseto. Time for lunch of your choice or possibility to visit an ancient Culatello di Zibello cellar with tasting and tasting-lunch on the Po River. In the afternoon, a visit to Villa Pallavicino and Museo Renata Tebaldi. Transfer to Fidenza. A chance to visit the splendid Romanesque Cathedral. Pre- or post-theatre dinner of your choice. Performance of Un ballo in maschera in the Teatro Verdi in Busseto or Attila in concert form in the nineteenth-century Teatro Magnani di Fidenza. These small bijou theatres with a great tradition are rich in history and beauty, ideal for staging the works and music of the Great Maestro. Transport back to the hotel for the night.

THIRD DAY

Now customise your tour! Request one of our extra activities to enrich your itinerary:

• Theater backstage visits at Teatro Regio di Parma (including tailoring, costume, set design rom, the rehearsal room, dressing rooms and the stage) and at the Teatro Verdi in Busseto;
• Exclusive organ music concerts and promenades in ancient churches;
• For fans of the Grande Maestro, meeting with local opera lovers club, the Maestro’s greatest connoisseurs;
• Private cooking classes with special Verdi menu including Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Culatello di Zibello and wine tasting
• Tastings and extensive gastronomic experiences: a Culatello di Zibello experience in the Land of Verdi? Or how about experiencing Parmigiano Reggiano and Parma Ham while touring the gently rolling hills and captivating castles? Or what about an extensive tasting of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar while discovering authentic old-fashioned farmhouses? A fun tasting tour in the heart of Parma, sampling the delights of panini shops, high-end street food outlets and modern .. Just ask and you will be spoilt for choice.
• The Labirinto della Masone maze, the largest in the world, made entirely of bamboo plants, and to Franco Maria Ricci’s Book and Art collection;
• The captivating castles of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza; just two examples for all the others, the iconic Torrechiara Castle and the fascinating Rocca Sanvitale in Fontanellato …
• Nearby, wonderful cities of art: Bergamo and Brescia – the Italian Capital Cities of Culture 2023, Mantua, Bologna, Modena, Cremona, Piacenza, Reggio Emilia, Ferrara, Ravenna, La Spezia, Pisa, Lucca, Milan…

Departure.