The Teatro Verdi Estate is gearing up to present Giacomo Puccini’s iconic opera “Tosca” in a compelling new production helmed by director Stefania Panighini.

The staging will feature set designs by Nicolò Cristiano, costumes created by Chiara Barichello, and lighting crafted by Emanuele Agliati.

Panighini, in a recent statement, noted, “This is how we’ve always understood Tosca! It’s a story of abuse that feels almost commonplace. For more than a hundred years, we’ve seen it as an act—terrible and shocking, without question—but somehow natural, a mirror of the world’s ways.”

The cast includes Elena Pankratova as Tosca, Fabio Sartori as Cavaradossi, and Ambrogio Maestri as Scarpia. The Orchestra and Chorus of the Fondazione Teatro Lirico Giuseppe Verdi di Trieste, alongside the children’s choir “I Piccoli Cantori della Città di Trieste” prepared by Cristina Semeraro, will perform under the direction of Maestro Enrico Calesso.

The opera will open on June 29, 2025, and run through July 4, 2025.

Panighini’s interpretation aims to explore the psychological depths of the characters, emphasizing the themes of power, love, and betrayal central to Puccini’s work. The production blends historical fidelity with modern perspectives, ensuring a visually striking and emotionally resonant experience for contemporary audiences.

Elena Pankratova, renowned for her powerful vocal delivery, is set to bring a layered intensity to Tosca, while Fabio Sartori’s expressive tenor will highlight Cavaradossi’s passion and idealism. Ambrogio Maestri’s commanding presence is expected to deliver a formidable Scarpia, amplifying the character’s menacing allure. Maestro Calesso will lead the orchestra and chorus in delivering Puccini’s rich score, creating a vivid backdrop to the unfolding drama.

The children’s choir, “I Piccoli Cantori della Città di Trieste,” under Cristina Semeraro’s guidance, will lend a poignant touch, particularly in the opera’s dramatic second act, enriching the production with their clear, evocative voices.

Set in the historic Teatro Verdi, known for its exceptional acoustics and majestic ambiance, this production is poised to be a highlight of the season. With a limited run, tickets are likely to sell out quickly, and attendees are advised to book early to witness this fresh take on a timeless opera.