The Merry Widow at Macerata 2025: Alibrando Conducts, Scotto di Luzio Sings

The 61st edition of the Macerata Opera Festival will take place at the Arena Sferisterio from July 18 to August 10, 2025, under the artistic direction of Marco Vinco. The festival opens with a brand-new production of Franz Lehár’s beloved operetta The Merry Widow (La Vedova Allegra), conducted by Maestro Marco Alibrando and starring Alessandro Scotto di Luzio as Count Danilo Danilowitsch.

Alongside The Merry Widow, the program features Verdi’s Rigoletto and Macbeth, the flamenco ballet Carmen, and a dazzling Opera Gala.

The Merry Widow – Opening Night

Making its debut at the Macerata Opera Festival, Lehár’s operetta will be presented in its Italian version in a new production signed by:

• Director – Arnaud Bernard

• Choreography and text adaptation – Gianni Santucci

• Set design – Riccardo Massironi

• Costumes – Maria Carla Ricotti

• Lighting design – Fiammetta Baldisseri

On the podium, Marco Alibrando, one of the most promising conductors of his generation, will lead the FORM Orchestra Filarmonica Marchigiana in his anticipated debut at the Sferisterio.

Read more about Alibrando’s career.

The Cast

Between the cast, the italian tenor Alessandro Scotto di Luzio plays the witty and elegantly Count Danilo Danilowitsch. With an extensive international career spanning roles from La Bohème to La Traviata and Rigoletto, Scotto di Luzio has performed in major opera houses across Europe, Australia, Asia, and the United States. His presence at the Festival highlights his ongoing commitment to a repertoire that ranges from the great operatic tradition to operetta.

For Alessandro Scotto di Luzio’s full bio click here.

• Hanna Glawari – Mihaela Marcu (soprano)

• Valencienne – Cristin Arsenova (soprano)

• Camille de Rossilon – Valerio Borgioni (tenor)

• Count Danilo Danilowitsch – Alessandro Scotto di Luzio (tenor)

• Baron Mirko Zeta – Alberto Petricca (baritone)

• Viscount Cascada – Cristiano Olivieri

• Raoul de Saint-Brioche – Francesco Pittari

• Bogdanowitsch – Giacomo Medici

• Sylviane – Laura Esposito

• Kromow – Stefano Consolini

• Olga – Federica Sardella

• Pritschitsch – Davide Pelissero

• Praskowia – Elena Serra

• Njegus – Marco Simeoli

Rigoletto and Macbeth

Following the opening operetta, Verdi’s Rigoletto and Macbeth and the ballet Carmen by the Antonio Gades Company (July 29).

Gala and Special Projects

The Opera Gala (July 31) completes the calendar.

The festival also confirms its under-30 previews and educational initiatives, as well as Inclusive Opera and In Opera, projects dedicated to accessibility and inclusion.

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