Opera: Salome

by Richard Strauss
Teatro Massimo di Palermo 2025-05-20 ... 2025-05-27

The Teatro Massimo in Palermo proudly presents Richard Strauss’ *Salome*, an opera that continues to captivate audiences with its shocking intensity and bold exploration of desire, power, and human frailty. Based on Oscar Wilde’s play and set to Hedwig Lachmann’s libretto, *Salome* is a one-act opera that transports viewers into a world of dark seduction and tragic obsession. Strauss’ evocative and highly expressive music perfectly complements the twisted narrative, bringing to life the tension and madness that unfolds within the story. From the iconic “Dance of the Seven Veils” to the climactic, haunting finale, *Salome* is an unforgettable masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of opera, both musically and dramatically. Directed by Bruno Ravella and conducted by Omer Meir Wellber, the Teatro Massimo’s production promises to be a visually and emotionally striking experience. Featuring a talented cast led by Astrid Kessler as Salome, this performance will be an unmissable highlight of Palermo’s 2025 opera season.

Teatro Massimo Travel Package

Music trip to Sicily with a performance at the Teatro Massimo in Palermo.

The Teatro Massimo, located in the heart of Palermo, is a crown jewel of Sicilian culture and one of the largest opera houses in Europe. Known for its stunning Neoclassical architecture and rich artistic tradition, it has long been a beacon for lovers of the performing arts. The venue’s grand scale and majestic interiors offer a perfect setting for monumental works like *Salome*, where Strauss’ intense score will resonate with unparalleled power. A visit to the Teatro Massimo is more than just an evening at the opera; it is an immersion into Sicily’s cultural heritage. Whether you’re an opera aficionado or a first-time visitor, experiencing *Salome* at this iconic venue promises to be an extraordinary cultural and sensory journey.

Enjoy our music package with a magnificent performance and an exclusive leisure program in Palermo and Sicily. Choose a performance from the extensive program of operas, concerts and ballets and select between the essential package and add individual services that we offer with the superior program.

The Story of Salome

*Salome*, composed in 1905, is a landmark in the history of opera for its daring subject matter and musical innovation. The story is drawn from the biblical tale of Salome, the stepdaughter of Herod, who becomes obsessed with the imprisoned prophet Jochanaan (John the Baptist). Her infatuation grows to dangerous levels, and after performing the seductive “Dance of the Seven Veils,” Salome demands that Herod grant her a macabre wish — the head of Jochanaan on a silver platter. This shocking request leads to a dark and tragic climax as Salome finally fulfills her twisted desire, kissing the severed head of the prophet.

Strauss’ opera was controversial from the start, both for its themes of eroticism and its groundbreaking musical language, which pushed harmonic boundaries and embraced dissonance in a way that shocked early 20th-century audiences. Despite initial bans in some cities, *Salome* quickly gained a reputation as a masterpiece, solidifying Strauss’ status as one of the great composers of the modern era. Its psychological depth, combined with its lush orchestration and innovative use of leitmotifs, make *Salome* a compelling study of obsession and power dynamics, themes that still resonate today.

The Artists and Creative Team

Music by Richard Strauss
Libretto • Hedwig Lachmann from Salome by Oscar Wilde
Conductor • Omer Meir Wellber
Director • Bruno Ravella
Restaged • Carmine De Amicis
Scene and Costume Designs • Leslie Travers
Costume Designs Assistant • Marianna Carbone
Coreographic Movements • Liz Roche
Lighting Designs • Malcolm Rippeth

Cast

Herodes • Charles Workman
Herodias • Anna Maria Chiuri
Salome • Astrid Kessler
Jochanaan • Tommi Hakala
Narraboth • Ewandro Stenzowski
Herodias’ Page • Michela Guarrera
First Jew • Michael Gibson
Second Jew • Raphael Wittmer
Third Jew • Marcello Nardis
Fourth Jew • Sascha Emanuel Kramer
First soldier/First Nazarene • Benjamin Suran
Second soldier/Fifth Jew • Lukasz Konieczny
Second Nazarene • Blagoj Nacoski
A Cappadocian • Mariano Orozco
A Slave • Maria Cristina Napoli

Teatro Massimo Orchestra
Production of the Irish National Opera

Booking Process

Music trip to Sicily with premium tickets for the opera Salome at the Teatro Massimo in Palermo.
The travel package contains 3 days with 2 overnights in a hotel in Palermo and will be composed according to your wishes. You can select between Essential and Superior Package and request more overnights and a following program to explore Sicily.

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