From 14 to 30 November 2025, the city of Bergamo—the birthplace of Gaetano Donizetti—will host the Donizetti Opera Festival, a celebration of the composer whose name the city proudly bears. This edition marks a turning point: for the first time, the internationally acclaimed conductor Riccardo Frizza takes on the dual role of both artistic director and musical director, signalling a fresh chapter in the festival’s evolution.
Under Frizza’s guidance, the 2025 programme presents four major titles in three new productions, each exploring a central theme of marriage and human relationships through the prism of Donizetti’s operatic vocabulary. At the Teatro Donizetti the season opens with Caterina Cornaro, a rare dramatic work rich in poetic text and musical ambition, followed by Il Furioso nell’Isola di S. Domingo. Across the city at Teatro Sociale in Città Alta, a double-bill of Il Campanello and the French Deux hommes et une femme completes the lineup.
The festival is produced by the Fondazione Teatro Donizetti, with the support of the City of Bergamo and major partners such as Allianz, Intesa Sanpaolo and SIAD. The aim is not only to present distinguished artistic content but also to position Bergamo on the international opera map while remaining deeply rooted in its own cultural heritage.
A visit to Bergamo during the festival offers more than just opera. The city’s historic heart, Città Alta, its museums and scenic viewpoints invite exploration before or after an evening performance. With the city’s transport links and accommodations ready for visitors, the festival period provides a chance to immerse oneself in art, architecture and performance in a setting that unites tradition and innovation. Tickets go on sale from 21 June 2025, and early booking is strongly recommended.
Whether you are a seasoned opera-goer or discovering Donizetti’s music for the first time, the Donizetti Opera Festival 2025 presents an opportunity to experience excellence in a city that lives its musical legacy. This edition promises striking productions, thought-provoking themes and the unmistakable energy of Bergamo’s cultural life.
