Opera: Semiramide

by Gioachino Rossini
Teatro Massimo di Palermo 2026-03-11 ... 2026-03-18

From March 11 to 18, 2026, the Teatro Massimo Palermo presents Gioachino Rossini’s final Italian opera, “Semiramide” – a grand masterpiece of bel canto and classical tragedy. Conducted by Christopher Franklin and directed by Pierre-Emmanuel Rousseau , who also designs the sets and costumes, this production explores themes of power, love, and fate.
The title role is performed by Vasilisa Berzhanskaya and Martina Russomanno, alongside Chiara Amarù and Ginger Costa-Jackson as Arsace. Mirco Palazzi (Assur) and Maxim Mironov / Pietro Adaini (Idreno) complete a stellar cast.
With the Teatro Massimo Chorus and Orchestra led by Salvatore Punturo, this co-production with the Opéra de Rouen – Normandie offers Rossini’s dazzling vocal brilliance and rich orchestral colors in a sumptuous theatrical setting.

Teatro Massimo Travel Package

Music trip to Sicily with a performance at the Teatro Massimo in Palermo.
The Teatro Massimo is the largest opera house in Italy with a perfect acoustics and with magnificent reception rooms, galleries and monumental staircases. The neoclassical building dates back to the 19th century. The Teatro Massimo was the location for some scenes of the film “The Godfather” in which the godfather Michael Corleone attended the debut of his son in Pietro Mascagni’s “Cavalleria Rusticana”.
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 Semiramide

Premiered in Venice in 1823, Gioachino Rossini’s “Semiramide” stands as his final Italian opera and a dazzling culmination of the bel canto tradition. Inspired by Voltaire’s tragedy, it tells the story of Queen Semiramide, who unknowingly falls in love with her son Arsace, the avenger of the king she helped to murder.
Rossini’s score blends vocal virtuosity, majestic ensembles, and dramatic intensity, achieving a synthesis of classical form and emotional power. The opera’s grandeur and moral depth mark the end of an era and foreshadow the romanticism to come.
In the Teatro Massimo Palermo’s new co-production with the Opéra de Rouen – Normandie, this rarely staged work returns in all its vocal brilliance and theatrical splendor – a must-see event for lovers of Italian opera.

The Artists and Creative Team

Music • Gioachino Rossini
Conductor • Christopher Franklin
Director, Scene and Costume Designs • Pierre-Emmanuel Rousseau
Lighting Designs • Gilles Gentner

Cast

Semiramide • Vasilisa Berzhanskaya (11, 13, 15, 18) • Martina Russomanno (12, 14, 17)
Arsace • Chiara Amarù (11, 13, 15, 18) • Ginger Costa-Jackson (12, 14, 17)
Assur • Mirco Palazzi (11, 13, 15, 18)
Idreno • Maxim Mironov (11, 13, 15, 18) • Pietro Adaini (12, 14, 17)

Teatro Massimo Chorus and Orchestra
Chorus Master • Salvatore Punturo

A Opéra de Rouen – Normandie Production

Running time: 230 minutes

Booking Process

Music trip to Sicily with premium tickets for the opera Semiramide 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