In the Cavea, the spectacular open-air venue on the rooftop of the Maggio Theatre, on Saturday 11 July 2026 at 9 p.m.

Further performances on 14 and 18 July at 9 p.m.

Conducted by Riccardo Bisatti. Production by Damiano Michieletto, revived by Stefania Grazioli.

The Maggio Theatre thanks Sammontana for the complimentary ice cream offered to the audience.

Florence, 6 July 2026 – One of Gioachino Rossini's most beloved masterpieces, Il barbiere di Siviglia, returns to the enchanting Cavea of the Maggio Theatre on Saturday 11 July at 9 p.m., in Damiano Michieletto's ever-popular, vibrant, witty and colourful production, featuring both his stage direction and scenic concept.

On the podium, conducting the Orchestra and Chorus of the Maggio, is Riccardo Bisatti, one of the most promising young conductors and among the most exciting conducting discoveries of recent years, who previously led this same production when it was presented in the Cavea in July 2024. The Maggio Chorus is directed by Lorenzo Fratini. The production, originally staged by Damiano Michieletto, is revived by Stefania Grazioli. Costumes are by Carla Teti and lighting is by Andrea Locorotondo.

This production of Il barbiere di Siviglia marks its eleventh revival in the Maggio's seasons since its premiere almost twenty years ago at the Roman Theatre of Fiesole in July 2005. Originally conceived for an open-air venue, it is ideally suited to the atmospheric Cavea of the Maggio, which hosts the Theatre's entire summer programme and, since last year, has been equipped with comfortable seating for the audience.

The cast is entirely new compared with the previous revival. Marco Ciaponi stars as Count Almaviva, in love with the beautiful Rosina, portrayed by Alexandra Meteleva. The resourceful Figaro is sung by Min Kim. Roberto De Candia appears as Don Bartolo, while Giorgio Caoduro takes the role of Don Basilio, Rosina's music teacher. Completing the cast are Gonzalo Godoy Sepúlveda in the double role of Fiorello/An Officer and Aloisia de Nardis as Berta.

This sparkling Barber of Seville, consistently acclaimed by both audiences and critics, begins like a train journey announced over a station loudspeaker: an imaginative and light-hearted way of travelling "through" Rossini's opera, evoking its settings and situations through the power of fantasy. Quirky, evocative costumes and vivid colours transform the characters into exaggerated caricatures reminiscent of the figures of the Commedia dell'Arte. Don Basilio appears entirely green, with long greasy hair and a hooked nose, consumed by envy like a serpent - or rather, a basilisk. Figaro sports hair suggestive of fox-like ears and whiskers, while Don Bartolo, dressed completely in white, resembles a stout bulldog jealously watching over Rosina, who is dressed in red like her beloved Lindoro.

The absence of traditional scenery focuses attention on the comic business, carefully crafted gestures, and above all on the voices and the music, the undisputed stars of Rossini's masterpiece. At the same time, this minimalist approach also highlights the more cynical undertones of this comic opera, while never losing sight of its playful and humorous spirit. Stage inventions follow one another with effortless imagination and increasing momentum, ensuring that the theatrical action never loses its lively pace.

For all performances in the Cavea of the Maggio Theatre, the bar service will be open from 7 p.m.

The Maggio Theatre thanks Sammontana for the complimentary ice cream offered to the audience.