Opera enthusiasts will undoubtedly have two dates written in their diaries: the Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro and the Macerata Opera Festival in Macerata. Two important festivals which make the Marches a sure choice for those of you who opt for a more cultural holiday.

The Macerata Opera Festival opened on July 11^thwith Kurt Weill's Il volo di Lindbergh (The Lindberg Flight) based on Charles Lindbergh's solo flight across the Atlantic in 1927. In August the Festival moves outdoors to the magnificent Arena dello Sferisterio in Piazza Sauro with performances of Norma, in homage to the bicentenary of Vincenzo Bellini's birth, Verdi's Aida and Tosca, one of Giacomo Puccini's best-loved works. Ruggiero Raimondi plays the part of Scarpia, the role which has earned him international acclaim as one of the most sensitive performers of Puccini's work.
Shortly before he died Gioacchino Rossini willed his belongings to the city of Pesaro. Both the School of Music and the Rossini Foundation, which, since 1940 has released recordings and critical editions of the master's work, were born from this heritage.

The Rossini Opera Festival first opened in 1980 with the aim of performing the works the Foundation has co-released with the Italian record company Casa Ricordi. Now in its 22^nd edition the Festival has become the centre of a wide variety of Rossini-related activities including the Rossini Academy, the youth orchestra, costume and set design workshops and the restoration of Pesaro's theatres.
This year's Festival runs from August 10^th to 24^th and includes La donna del lago (The Lady on the Lake) sung by Mariella Devia and Daniela Barcellona with Daniele Gatti conducting and Luca Ronconi at the helm and La gazzetta directed by Nobel prize winner, Dario Fo.
Fringe events include shows, talks, debates, conferences and exhibitions which portray a full picture of Rossini's life and interests. We recommend Renata Penta's version of The Barber of Seville, performed by puppets in the magical surrounds of Novilara Castle.