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.
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 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 |
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.
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
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.
25th May 2018 28th Jan 2025