Since 1982

What is the Puccini Festival?

The Puccini Festival is a magnificent musical event set in an open-air theatre by Torre del Lago, near the home of the eponymous composer.

This annual festival of opera and concerts, dedicated to Giacomo Puccini, is held in a specially constructed arena by the Lake of Massaciuccoli, close to Viareggio, Pisa and Lucca. It normally runs from early July to mid August.

The setting is glorious. The lake is a wide expanse of shimmering smooth water, the perfect backdrop to the drama of Puccini's Operas. The lake and the town of Torre del Lago are well worth visiting in themselves, with water-edge restaurants, beautiful views and a museum dedicated to Puccini's work.

jetty-and-chalet-emilio
The lake is beautiful and the old Chalet Emilio is one of the local restaurants, right on the water's edge

All the seats face the lake so the view beyond the stage is of an expanse of water, framed by the hills of Massaciuccoli.

The Puccini Festival open-air theatre
The Puccini Festival open-air theatre

The Puccini Festival 2025 is set to be a memorable event.

The 71º Puccini Festival Program 2025

On the opening night of Tosca, July 18, 2025, the renowned Roberto Alagna will perform the role of Mario Cavaradossi.

He will be joined by an exceptional cast: Aleksandra Kurzak as Floria Tosca and Luca Salsi as Baron Scarpia. These three acclaimed artists will bring this beloved opera to life in the beautiful setting of the Gran Open Air Theatre in Torre del Lago.

The production will be directed by Alfonso Signorini, who will add his unique touch to this classic Puccini masterpiece. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience Puccini’s timeless music performed by world-class talent in an unforgettable atmosphere.

Additionally, this season features an exciting new event: Estasi ed Agonia, a premiere by José Cura on July 31.

Below, you’ll find the full program for the 71st Puccini Festival.

Opera Dates
Tosca Friday July 18th
La Boheme Saturday July 19th
Turandot Friday July 25th
La Boheme Saturday July 26th
Estasi ed Agonia by José Cura Thursday July 31
Tosca Friday August 1st
Turandot Saturday August 2nd
La Boheme Thursday August 7th
Madama Butterfly Friday August 8th
Tosca Saturday August 9th
Gala Lirico Wednesday August 13th
Turandot Thursday August 14th
Turandot Friday August 22nd
Madama Butterfly Saturday August 23rd
Tosca Friday August 29th
Manon Lescaut Saturday August 30th
Turandot Friday September 5th
Manon Lescaut Saturday September 6th
locandina-puccini-festival-2025
Program for the 2025 Puccini Festival

Ticket prices for Puccini Festival 2025

All performances start at 9:15pm. Gold tier tickets also have a free drink included.

Opera Gold 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th
Manon Lescaut, La Bohème, Tosca, Turandot and Madama Butterfly €175 €135 €95 €63 €35 €21
Estasi ed Agonia by and starring José Cura €145 €110 €80 €60 €40 €29
Lyrical Gala €145 €110 €80 €60 €40 €29

Where to buy tickets for Puccini Festival

You can buy tickets directly from the Festival organisers here: Tickets for 2025 Puccini Festival, or, if you are staying in one of our villas ask us and we'll be happy to do it for you.

Disabled access

The Open air theatre has been built in such a way as to be accessible to people with disabilities, for further information and ticket purchase it is useful to contact the theatre’s ticket office, which will take care of assigning seats in the dedicated areas, it is not possible online or through authorized sales outlets.

Purchases can be made at the theatre box office, by telephone on +39 0584 359322 or by e-mail by writing to [email protected]. Tickets can not be purchased onsite.

lago-massaciuccoli
The lake is a beautiful spot to visit in its own right, with wonderful views and a small museum dedicated to the composer

Who is José Cura?

José Luis Victor Cura Gómez is originally from Argentina, a multifaceted artist whose career spans opera, conducting, directing, scenography, and photography. He is celebrated for his intense and unconventional interpretations of iconic operatic roles. Among his most notable performances are Otello in Verdi’s Otello, Samson in Saint-Saëns’ Samson et Dalila, Canio in Leoncavallo's Pagliacci, and Stiffelio in Verdi's Stiffelio, to name but a few. Cura's artistry is characterized by his ability to bring depth and originality to each character, earning him a reputation as a standout performer in the operatic world.

In 2007, Cura expanded his artistic horizons with the world premiere of La Commedia è finita, a production he not only designed and directed but also starred in as Canio. This marked the beginning of his career as a director and scenographer, showcasing his talent behind the scenes as well as on stage. He continued to merge his dual roles as a performer and creative visionary with subsequent productions. In 2010, he directed and performed as Samson in Samson et Dalila at the Badisches Staatstheater. Two years later, he directed La Rondine at the Opéra national de Lorraine, where he also took on the role of conductor. That same year, he directed a double bill of Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci at the Opéra Royal de Wallonie, singing the roles of Turiddu and Canio in the respective operas.

Through these ventures, Cura has cemented his place not only as a celebrated tenor but also as an innovative and versatile figure in the operatic world. His performance in this year's Puccini Festival is certainly worth seeing.

Where to stay close to Lago Puccini

Our favourite villa in the area is Villa Fobbia, a beautiful spot in the hills above the lake, about a 30 minute drive away:

Villa Fobbia for 10 near Fondazione Puccini

Villa Fobbia for 10
Villa Fobbia is in the hills above Lucca, a short drive away from Torre del Lago

Find a villa to rent near The Puccini Festival

author dan wrightson

Dan Wrightson grew up in Tuscany, Italy and has been writing about, sketching and exploring Tuscany and Italy since 1983.

28th Jan 2025