Teatro Regio Torino photo Edoardo Piva
With Francesca da Rimini, the Teatro Regio di Torino opens its new season on October 10, 2025, presenting a work of immense dramatic and emotional power. Composed by Riccardo Zandonai and based on Gabriele D’Annunzio’s play—derived from the legendary tale of Paolo and Francesca in Dante’s Inferno—the opera is a masterpiece of early 20th-century Italian music theater.
Zandonai’s score fuses rich harmonic textures with historical musical colors, echoing D’Annunzio’s archaic poetic language. The result is a seamless blend of spoken word and lyrical expression—a haunting and immersive operatic experience. Under the baton of Andrea Battistoni, Music Director of the Teatro Regio, this new staging seeks to rediscover a hidden gem of the Italian repertoire. The production is directed by Andrea Bernard, known for his visually striking and architecturally inspired interpretations.
International opera star Roberto Alagna will portray Paolo, while the intense and demanding role of Francesca is sung by Uzbek soprano Barno Ismatullaeva.
Story of Francesca da Rimini by Riccardo Zandonai
Premiered in 1914 in Turin, Francesca da Rimini by Riccardo Zandonai brings to life one of Italian literature’s most tragic love stories, inspired by Dante’s Inferno and adapted through Gabriele D’Annunzio’s dramatic retelling. Francesca da Polenta is to marry Gianciotto Malatesta for political reasons. To avoid her refusal, the family presents the handsome Paolo—Gianciotto’s brother—as the groom. Francesca falls in love with Paolo at first sight, and the feeling is mutual, though neither speaks a word.
Later, Paolo confesses his love, and despite being married to Gianciotto, Francesca’s passion deepens. Paolo departs for Florence, but upon returning, he visits Francesca. As they read together the story of Lancelot and Guinevere, their restrained emotions erupt in a forbidden kiss.
In the final act, Malatestino, Gianciotto’s jealous younger brother, reveals their secret. Gianciotto hides near Francesca’s room and, upon witnessing the lovers together at dawn, kills them both. Zandonai’s lush orchestration and emotionally charged score give this timeless tragedy an intense musical voice.
Cast and Creative Team of Francesca da Rimini
Tragedy in four acts
Music by Riccardo Zandonai
Libretto by Tito II Ricordi
based on from the tragedy of the same name by Gabriele D’Annunzio
World première: Torino, Teatro Regio, 02/19/1914
Overtitles in italian/english
New staging Teatro Regio Torino
The Artists
Conductor • Andrea Battistoni
Staging • Andrea Bernard
Sets • Alberto Beltrame
Costumes • Elena Beccaro
Lights • Marco Alba
Staging Assistant • Marco Alba
Chorus Master • Ulisse Trabacchin
Orchestra and Chorus Teatro Regio Torino
CAST
Francesca • Barno Ismatullaeva (10, 12, 19, 21), Ekaterina Sannikova (14, 23)
Paolo • Roberto Alagna (10, 12, 14), Marcelo Puente (19, 21, 23)
Gianciotto • George Gagnidze (10, 12, 19, 21), Angelo Veccia (14, 23)
Samaritana • Valentina Boi
Ostasio • Devid Cecconi
Malatestino • Matteo Mezzaro
Biancofiore • Valentina Mastrangelo
Garsendra • Albina Tonkikh
Altichiara • Martina Myskohlid
Adonella • Sofia Koberidze
Smaragdi • Silvia Beltrami
Ser Toldo • Enzo Peroni
The Jester • Janusz Nosek
The Crossbowman • Daniel Umbelino
The Torrigiano • Eduardo Martínez
Booking Process
Music trip to Turin for 3 days / 2 nights with premium tickets for the opera “Francesca da Rimini”. The highlight of the trip is a visit to the renowned Teatro Regio on the second evening to experience a spectacular performance in a historic setting 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 “Francesca da Rimini”
2025-10-10 ... 2025-10-23
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