The month of October sees Parma celebrate the anniversary of the birth of one of the province’s most famous sons, opera composer Giuseppe Verdi, with a series of performances of some of his works at the Teatro Regio.
The Verdi Festival has become an annual event in Parma and runs from 1 to 28 October. This year it starts with a performance of ‘Rigoletto’, followed by ‘La Battaglia di Legnano’ (The Battle of Legnano). On 10 October there is a ‘Concerto Verdiano’ to mark the 199th anniversary of Verdi’s birth.
Italy’s most famous opera composer came from humble origins and was born in the village of Le Roncole near Busseto in the province of Parma. He went on to become one of the most influential Romantic composers of the 19th century, known for the passion and rich drama of his operas.
Each year the city of Parma runs various events alongside the festival to honour the maestro, including talks by artists, writers and performers on the events that inspired the lyrics in Verdi’s operas. In addition, the Portici del Grano arcades at the town hall become a venue hosting concerts, live projections from the opera house, and screenings of films and documentaries about the composer and his work.
Ticket prices range from €30 to €300.
