The opera Der junge Lord named “Best Production” of the year. Alexander Soddy awarded “Best Conductor” and Luca Salsi “Best Singer” for the Florentine productions.

Florence, March 11, 2026 – The Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino once again confirms its role among the leading institutions of the Italian opera scene, receiving the highest honors at the 45th edition of the Franco Abbiati Music Critics’ Prize. The jury of the National Association of Italian Music Critics, meeting in Milan, awarded the Maggio the most prestigious prizes for productions and performances staged during 2025.

The award for “Best Production” was given to Der junge Lord by Hans Werner Henze, a production that marked the Florentine season for its outstanding musical and theatrical quality, conducted by Markus Stenz and directed by Daniele Menghini.

The Maggio’s connection with interpretative excellence was further confirmed by individual awards: Alexander Soddy was named “Best Conductor”, with a specific mention for his performances of Salome and Macbeth on the Florentine podium. Likewise, the baritone Luca Salsi received the award for “Best Singer”, standing out in particular for his interpretation of the title role in Macbeth staged in Florence.

Commenting on these prestigious achievements, the Superintendent of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Carlo Fuortes, said: “I am very pleased that in my first year at the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino the programming has been so highly appreciated by the National Association of Music Critics, whom I thank while also remembering their president Angelo Foletto, who recently passed away. I would like to congratulate Markus Stenz, Daniele Menghini, Alexander Soddy, and Luca Salsi on the prestigious Abbiati Prize. These awards recognize the excellence of the work carried out by the Maggio and its artists - its Orchestra, Chorus, conductors, as well as the technical and administrative staff - who work together to bring Florentine productions to the attention of critics and audiences as models of cultural quality at the highest level.”

Director Daniele Menghini, who staged Der junge Lord, welcomed the news with these words:
“Immense joy for a recognition that rewards the tireless work and artistic generosity of so many men and women of the theatre. Real theatre - horizontal theatre - created together with courage and passion. A prize that belongs to everyone.”