Giuseppe Verdi was a 19th century Grand Maestro and one of the most distinguished opera composers in history. Held at the same level of attainment as Bellini, Donizetti, and Rossini; Verdi dominated the opera scene with his unwavering demonstration of sympathy and compassion in his work. 

The Festival Verdi [2] creates a tour that honors his succeess with 25 days of opera premieres, productions, special events, meet and greets, and so much more. Each year it tours through the enchanting towns of Parma and Busseto, lands that were cultivated by Verdi’s talent, and places where he built the foundation of his international musical success. The main shows for 2017 include Jérusalem, La Traviata, Stiffelio, Falstaff, and Messa da Requiem at the Teatro Regio di Parma and other locations.

Dr. Anna Maria Meo [3], director of the prestigious Teatro Regio di Parma [4], comments on the many new additions that will make this festival better than ever before; which starts at the end of September and ends late October. In order to ensure that Verdi’s origins are recognized while focusing on utilizing the best of the energy, funds, and people for this international event, Meo has appointed a new scientific committee, the creation of the Association Internal Friend of Festival Verdi, and membership to Opera Europa [5].

Jérusalem [6], directed by Hugo De Ana with the Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini and the Choir of the Teatro Regio di Parma, will initiate the festival and take place at the Teatro Regio di Parma. They will have one showing in September and three encore performances in October.

La Traviata [7] plays the next day at the Teatro Giuseppe Verdi Busseto [8] and has co-produced with Teatro Comunale di Bologna, the Fondazione Orchestra Haydn di Bolzano and Trento, and the Landestheater Coburg with seven encores in October.  Andrea Bernard is recognized for the award winning set designs that enhance the invigorating opera production.

Parma welcomes opera director Graham Vick to the Teatro Farnese for the first time for the debut of Stiffelio [9] to play a total of four shows in September and October. Stiffelio has been selected to showcase on the 1600s wooden theatre in front of a standing audience with free range to move freely, this provides benefits for the acoustics as well.

Messa da Requiem [10] will perform twice in October at the Teatro Regio by the Filmarmonica Arturo Toscanini with the Choir of the Teatro Regio di Parma. Daniele Callegar is the conducted of this renowned operatic production.

Falstaff [11] is scheduled to be the final Verdi Festival masterpiece, with a showing at the Teatro Regio. Jacopo Spirei is responsible for the staging, Nikolaus Webern for set, and Silvia Aymonino for costumes, the collaboration will deliver a strong finale of the 2017 Festival Verdi.

The Verdi Gala will conclude this celebration of the operatic arts in honor of the 150th anniversary of Arturo Toscanini [12] and the 204th birthday of the Grand Maestro to take place in the Teatro Regio. Famous arias and pieces from his operas by the orechestras and soloists will complete annual production.   

New York City has joined in on the excitment, Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò [13] will host an Opera Screening of Verdi's Giovanna D'Arco [14] from the 2016 Verdi Festival in Parma.