Opera: Partenope

by Ennio Morricone
Teatro di San Carlo, Naples
2025-12-12 ... 2025-12-14

From December 12 to 14, 2025, the Teatro di San Carlo will present Partenope – Music for the Siren of Naples, an absolute rarity: the only opera ever composed by Ennio Morricone . Originally composed in 1995/96 to a libretto by Guido Barbieri and Sandro Cappelletto, the work has never before been performed – until now. The opera is part of the Napoli millenaria celebrations marking Naples’ 2,500 years of history.

Under Riccardo Frizza’s musical direction and Vanessa Beecroft’s staging, the work promises an intimate chamber music setting that blends Morricone’s avant-garde phase with elements more associated with his popular film scores. The role of Partenope is dual: a woman in love and a vestal, sung by two different soprano voices. Beecroft will also create a striking installation to enhance the visual dimension of the performance.

Travel Package Teatro San Carlo Naples

Music trip to Naples for 3 days / 2 nights with premium tickets for the opera Partenope at the Teatro San Carlo Naples. With Partenope, Teatro di San Carlo revives an important moment: presenting Morricone’s previously unperformed opera in its world premiere. The production ties the house closely to Naples’ identity while embracing musical innovation.
The travel package includes 3 days with 2 nights in one of our selected hotels in Naples and is put together according to your wishes. You can choose between the Essential and Superior packages, request additional nights, and a subsequent program to explore Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast and Italy.

Teatro San Carlo

The Teatro di San Carlo in Naples, founded in 1737, is the oldest opera house in continuous use in Europe. Renowned for its magnificent architecture and exceptional acoustics, it remains a world-class stage for opera lovers. Enjoy our music package with a magnificent performance and an exclusive leisure program in Naples. You can select between the essential package and add individual services that we offer with the superior program.
The highlight is an opera or ballet at the famous Teatro San Carlo.

The Plot of Partenope

Partenope – Music for the Siren of Naples deals with the mythic origins of the siren Parthenope, the figure said to have been shipwrecked where Naples was later founded. Parthenope is depicted as a dual persona: one part vestal, representing purity and ritual, the other part a woman in love – a role that brings emotional and moral peril.
The core conflict in the opera is this tension between devotion to one’s sacred duty and human passions. When Parthenope is at risk of giving herself over to love, she sees her identity and purpose slipping away – ultimately, she chooses suicide to avoid corruption of her essence. Musically, the piece weaves together solo voices, chorus, orchestra and electronic tape elements, creating a setting both intimate and at the same time mythic.

The Artists and Creative Team

Opera in one act
Libretto by Guido Barbieri and Sandro Cappelletto

Orchestra and Chorus of Teatro di San Carlo
Chorus Master • Fabrizio Cassi
Sung in Italian with Italian and English surtitles
First Absolute Performance

New Production of Teatro di San Carlo

Conductor • Riccardo Frizza
Stage Director • Vanessa Beecroft
Costume Design • Daniela Ciancio
Choreographies • Danilo Rubeca

Cast
Partenope 1 • Jessica Pratt
Partenope 2 • Maria Agresta
Persefone • Désirée Giove
Melanio • Francesco Demuro
Narratore • Mimmo Borrelli

Booking Process

Music trip to Naples for 3 days / 2 nights with premium tickets for the opera “Partenope”. The highlight is a visit to the famous Teatro San Carlo on the second evening to experience a magnificent performance in a world-famous environment with global stars. You can select between Essential and Superior Package.

Each travel package will be composed according to your wishes. Follow the booking process:

Select a Date
Press “Add to cart” and “Send Request”
When we receive your booking request, you will get an individual offer with some hotels to choose from. Only after your decision, we send you a travel contract to confirm the booking.
Description of the Essential and Superior Package