At the 87th Festival del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, a new production of Richard Strauss’s groundbreaking opera Salome will captivate audiences from April 13 to 27. This masterpiece, Strauss’s first operatic triumph, premiered in 1905 at the Semperoper in Dresden to overwhelming acclaim. Based on Oscar Wilde’s provocative play, Salome tells the story of forbidden desire and tragic fate at King Herod’s court, culminating in the mesmerizing Dance of the Seven Veils. Under the dynamic direction of Emma Dante and with Alexander Soddy conducting, this production promises an intense, immersive theatrical experience that redefines operatic drama.
The Plot of Salome
Salome, the enigmatic stepdaughter of King Herod, becomes captivated by the austere yet compelling presence of the imprisoned prophet John the Baptist. Amid the opulent and decadent atmosphere of Herod’s court in Tiberias, her forbidden desire grows into an overwhelming obsession. As tensions escalate, Salome finds herself torn between seduction and repulsion, challenging the established order with her unbridled passion. Her inner turmoil reaches its dramatic climax during the fabled Dance of the Seven Veils—a performance both sensual and shocking that mesmerizes the court. In a final, desperate act of defiance and longing, Salome demands the head of John the Baptist as a grotesque token of her love. This macabre gesture not only seals her tragic fate but also serves as a powerful commentary on the destructive force of forbidden desire and the collision between beauty and horror.
Cast and Creative Team of Salome
The Artists
Opera in one act
Libretto is is based on the drama of Oscar Wilde
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra
New staging
1 hour and 40 minutes
Conductor • Alexander Soddy
Staging • Emma Dante
Scenes • Carmine Maringola
Costumes • Vanessa Sannino
Lights • Luigi Biondi
Choreography • Silvia Giuffrè
CAST
Herodes • Nikolai Schukoff
Herodias • Anna Maria Chiuri
Salome • Allison Oakes
Jochanaan • Iain Paterson
Narraboth • Eric Fennell
Ein Page der Herodias • Marvic Monreal
Funf Juden • Arnold Bezuyen, Mathias Frey, Patrick Vogel, Franz Gürtelschmied, Karl Huml
Zwei Nazarener • William Hernandez
Zwei Soldaten • Frederic Jost, Karl Huml
Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
The 87th Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Festival starts with a new staging of Salome by Richard Strauss.
The theater is home to the prestigious Maggio Musicale Fiorentino festival, which takes place each spring and features a variety of operatic performances, concerts, and other cultural events. The festival attracts some of the biggest names in the world of opera, as well as up-and-coming talent from around the globe.
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 “Salome” at the 87th 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 “Salome”
Events
Operas, Ballets, Concerts of the Season 2025
In Florence at the Teatro del Maggio Fiorentino







