The Opera and Ballet

Macerata, is famous for the opera and ballet and the highlight is the "Stagione Lirica" which takes place in the 7,000-seater Sferisterio - a huge Neoclassical arena erected by a few wealthy gentlemen living in the area.

Construction began on 2 October 1820, based on a project by Salvatore Innocenzi, which was soon to be halted for three years as the citizens, who had put up the money could not come to an agreement on the designs. They finally chose the drawings by Ireneo Aleandri, who was at the time a young and unknown architect from San Severino Marche. The Sferisterio was eventually inaugurated on 5 Semptember 1829. This, then, was to be a new urban arena, which could accomodate festivals, tournaments, circuses, bull fights, equestrian events and also political meetings. Originally intended to house Italy’s national sport of handball, by around 1909 the game’s popularity began to decline due to the growing enthusiasm for football.

In 1914 The Sferisterio showcased its first operatic performance of Vincenzo Bellini’s NORMA and it was realised that there were great acoustics. Soon it became an open air opera "theatre" and, as a neo-classical monument, is now second only to Verona as Italy's best open air venue.

Hints For Visiting The Opera:

Language: Operas are typically performed in their original language with Italian subtitles. Get to understand the story before you go to see the opera!

Duration: Operas, ballets and concerts can run anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours plus.

Dress: Smart dress is required for Italian musical events. You may be turned away if you are dressed too casually. Opening night opera performances require a full dark suit for men, an elegant dress for ladies.

2008 Season

Cleopatra: Jul 24 and Jul 29 - Performance starts at 9pm

The Servant : Jul 27 and Jul 30 - Performance starts at 9pm

Attila: Aug 02, Aug 06, Aug 09 - Performance starts at 9pm

Tosca: Jul 26, Aug 01, Aug 07, Aug 10 - Performance starts at 9pm

Neues vom Tage: Aug 10 - Performance starts at 5pm, Aug 11 - Performance starts at 9pm

Carmen: Jul 25, Jul 31, Aug 05, Aug 08, Aug 12 - Performance starts at 9pm

There are many other venues for music and opera, including Fabriano, Urbino, Fano, Loreto( where an international choir festival takes place in April) and the famous Rossini Opera festival in Pesaro in August.

Fano - Fano Jazz by the Sea - July.

Polverigi - Festival Internazionale Inteatro - contemporary theatre - July

Fano - Il Violino e la Selce - mid-July to early-August

Urbino - Early Music Festival - July

San Severino Marche - Blues Festival - July

Osimo - International Dance Festival - July

Senigallia - International Piano Competition - August-September

Amandola - International Theatre Festival - end August to early September

Castelfidardo - International Accordion Festival early October

Ancona - Jazz Festival - Teatro Sperimentale - early November