Giuseppe Verdi’s gripping opera Un ballo in maschera takes center stage at the 88th Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, with performances from May 12 to 24, 2026. This new staging is directed by the acclaimed Valentina Carrasco, known for her bold and emotionally nuanced productions. At the podium, rising star Emmanuel Tjeknavorian leads the Maggio Musicale Orchestra and Chorus, joined by a stellar cast.
Originally intended for Naples in 1858, the opera faced heavy censorship due to its depiction of a monarch’s assassination. Verdi’s initial idea of setting the opera in Sweden, based on the historical murder of King Gustav III, had to be altered. The premiere ultimately took place in Rome in 1859 with a modified libretto.
Despite these challenges, Un ballo in maschera stands today as one of Verdi’s most thrilling and musically rich works. Its themes of forbidden love, betrayal, fate, and political intrigue are timeless and universally resonant.
Tenor Antonio Poli (Riccardo), baritone Ariun Gambaatar (Renato), and soprano Chiara Isotton (Amelia) headline the production, supported by Ksenia Dudnikova as Ulrica and Lavinia Bini as Oscar. Sets and costumes by Andrea Belli and Silvia Aymonino, along with striking video work by Max Volpini, ensure a visually captivating experience.
Don’t miss this emotionally charged operatic gem — a highlight of the 2026 festival season in Florence.
The Story of Un Ballo in Maschera
Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera follows the tragic fate of Riccardo, a governor secretly in love with Amelia — the wife of his loyal friend Renato. Amid political conspiracies and ominous prophecies, Riccardo refuses to heed warnings about a plot against his life.
The fortune-teller Ulrica foretells Riccardo’s death, and a group of conspirators led by Samuel and Tom plots his assassination. Renato, feeling betrayed upon learning of his wife’s feelings for Riccardo, joins the conspiracy.
At the climactic masked ball, Riccardo is stabbed by Renato. In his final moments, he forgives his murderer and affirms that his love for Amelia remained pure and unconsummated.
Masked Ball is a powerful opera of passion, betrayal, honor, and fate. With unforgettable arias, stirring duets, and Verdi’s rich orchestration, it remains one of the composer’s most dramatic and beloved works.
This new Florence production highlights the psychological intensity and political resonance of the opera — a must-see for lovers of great drama and Italian opera.
Cast and Creative Team of Un Ballo in Maschera
Opera in three acts
Libretto by Antonio Somma
Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes
First part: 1 hour and 30 minutes | Intermission: 30 minutes | Second part: 50 minutes
New staging
The Artists
Conductor • Emmanuel Tjeknavorian
Director • Valentina Carrasco
Sets • Andrea Belli
Costumes • Silvia Aymonino
Lights • Marco Filibeck
Video • Max Volpini
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra and Chorus
Chorus master • Lorenzo Fratini
CAST
Riccardo • Antonio Poli/Max Jota (22)
Renato • Ariun Gambaatar/Hae Kang (22)
Amelia • Chiara Isotton/Alessia Panza (22)
Ulrica • Ksenia Dudnikova
Oscar • Lavinia Bini
Samuel • Mattia Denti
Tom • Adriano Gramigni
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 Un Ballo in Maschera 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
Tag:
Tag:
Performance Dates of “Un ballo in maschera”
Events
Operas, Ballets, Concerts of the Season 2026
In Florence at the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino







