© Michele Monasta
In April 2026, the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino will present The Death of Klinghoffer by John Adams for the first time in its history — a deeply moving opera about terrorism, memory, and humanity. The work is based on the real-life hijacking of the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro in 1985, during which Jewish-American passenger Leonard Klinghoffer was murdered by Palestinian terrorists.
Visionary film director Luca Guadagnino makes his operatic debut in Florence with this new staging. At the podium is Lawrence Renes, a renowned interpreter of Adams’ music. This production promises a powerful fusion of music, politics, and contemporary history.
Adams’ score blends minimalism with lyrical and dramatic elements, creating an emotionally charged musical landscape. The libretto by Alice Goodman gives voice to a wide range of perspectives, challenging the audience to confront complex moral and political issues.
The role of Leonard Klinghoffer is sung by acclaimed French baritone Laurent Naouri, with Katarina Dalayman as Marilyn Klinghoffer. The Maggio Musicale Orchestra and Chorus, prepared by Lorenzo Fratini, bring this challenging work to life under Renes’ baton.
This bold and stirring production marks a significant opening to 88th Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Festival – don’t miss this landmark event. The Maggio 2026 once again reaffirms its status as one of Europe’s most vibrant and distinguished classical music festivals.
The Story of The Death of Klinghoffer
The Death of Klinghoffer dramatizes the hijacking of the Achille Lauro cruise ship in October 1985 by members of the Palestine Liberation Front. The terrorists take hostages and demand the release of prisoners. Among the passengers are Leonard Klinghoffer, a disabled Jewish-American man, and his wife Marilyn. When negotiations stall, Klinghoffer is murdered and thrown overboard.
The opera is structured in a prologue and two acts. Rather than depicting events in a linear narrative, it presents a mosaic of viewpoints. Choruses, reflective arias, and dramatic confrontations create a multi-layered score that avoids simplistic judgments.
Through its music and libretto, the opera explores not only a specific historical event but also broader themes of ideology, loss, and the cost of conflict.
Adams and Goodman humanize both victims and perpetrators, forcing the audience into a space of discomfort and moral questioning.
Far from offering easy answers, The Death of Klinghoffer is a provocative and emotionally resonant work that continues to spark dialogue — an opera that reflects the complexities of our time.
Cast and Creative Team of The Death of Klinghoffer
The Artists
Opera in two acts
Libretto by Alice Goodman
New staging, First time in Florence
Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
Conductor • Lawrence Renes
Director and sets • Luca Guadagnino
Lights • Peter van Praet
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra and Chorus
Chorus master • Lorenzo Fratini
CAST
The Captain • Jeremy Carpenter
The first Officer • Andreas Mattersberger
Swiss Grandmother/Austrian Woman • Marina Comparato
Mamoud • Levent Bakirci
Leon Klinghoffer • Laurent Naouri
Rambo • Joshua Bloom
British dancing girl • Janetka Hoșco
Yazmir • Ioanna Kykna
Marylin Klinghoffer • Katarina Dalayman
Molqi • Roy Cornelius Smith
Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
The 88th Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Festival returns in spring and summer 2026 with a rich and ambitious program in Florence. From Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera to Handel’s Giulio Cesare, from Mahler’s Fifth to the complete Beethoven symphonies, the festival bridges operatic tradition and symphonic excellence. A key highlight is John Adams’ rarely performed The Death of Klinghoffer. Legendary artists like Zubin Mehta, Daniele Gatti, Beatrice Rana, and Asmik Grigorian take the stage, alongside visionary directors and conductors. The Maggio 2026 once again reaffirms its status as one of Europe’s most vibrant and distinguished classical music festivals.
In addition to its annual Festival del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, the Teatro del Maggio also hosts regular opera productions throughout the year, featuring some of the most beloved works of the genre. From classics to modern masterpieces, the theater offers a diverse and exciting program of performances.
The Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, located in Florence, Italy, is one of the most renowned opera houses in the world. Founded in 1933, the theater has a long and illustrious history of presenting some of the finest operatic performances, attracting audiences from all over the world. The theater has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years, including a major overhaul in the 1990s, which saw the addition of state-of-the-art technical equipment and improved seating arrangements. Today, the Teatro del Maggio is a modern, world-class facility that offers audiences an unparalleled opera experience.
Booking Process
Music trip to Florence for 3 days / 2 nights with premium tickets for the opera “The Death of Klinghoffer” at the 88th Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Festival. The highlight of the trip is a visit to the renowned Teatro del Maggio Fiorentino on the second evening to experience a spectacular performance with international stars. You can choose between the 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
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Performance Dates of “The Death of Klinghoffer”
2026-04-19 ... 2026-04-26
88th Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Festival
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Events
Operas, Ballets, Concerts of the Season 2026
In Florence at the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
