Zelmira to Inaugurate ROF 2025

Zelmira, returning to the ROF stage for the first time since 2009, will inaugurate the 46th edition of the Rossini Opera Festival on 10 August at 7 pm at the Auditorium Scavolini. This production, which gives each audience member an unprecedented 360-degree perspective through a revolutionary use of theatrical space, will be conducted by Giacomo Sagripanti and staged by Calixto Bieito (making his Pesaro debut) who also co-designed the sets with Barbora Horáková. Costumes are by Ingo Krügler and lighting by Michael Bauer. Giacomo Sagripanti will conduct the Orchestra del Teatro Comunale di Bologna, returning to the ROF after serving as its principal ensemble for over thirty years, alongside the Coro del Teatro Ventidio Basso. The cast includes Anastasia Bartoli in the title role, Lawrence Brownlee (Ilo), Enea Scala (Antenore), Marina Viotti (Emma), Marko Mimica (Polidoro), Gianluca Margheri (Leucippo), Paolo Nevi (Eacide), and Shi Zong (Gran Sacerdote). The three additional performances will take place on 13, 16 and 19 August.

The premiere will be broadcast live by Rai Radio3. Listeners tuning in from home will be able to follow real-time subtitles on their smartphones by downloading the free Lyri live app. Read more.

Published in : 7 August 2025