by InTrieste
The summer cultural calendar in Trieste will once again be anchored by the Verdi Theater’s music series, Il Suono di Trieste (The Sound of Trieste), as part of Trieste Estate 2025, an extensive festival curated and promoted by the Municipality of Trieste’s Department of Culture and Tourism. From opera to orchestral tributes and concerts at sunrise and sunset, the program aims to merge music with the architectural and natural beauty of the city nestled between sea and mountains.
Among the highlights is a new production of Puccini’s Tosca, directed by rising Italian opera director Stefania Panighini, known for her psychological depth and elegant staging. The opera will be staged in the historic Cortile delle Milizie at San Giusto Castle. Conducted by Enrico Calesso, who has become closely associated with the Verdi Theater’s orchestra and chorus, the production features a high-profile cast including Italian tenor Fabio Sartori, Russian soprano Elena Pankratova in the title role, and baritone Ambrogio Maestri as Scarpia.
The opera will be performed over three nights—June 29, July 1, and July 4—and has been conceived specifically for the castle courtyard setting, with a focus on creating a visually striking aesthetic that complements the architecture. Organizers say the venue’s atmosphere and the vocal cast’s Puccini experience will enhance the overall impact.
The festival will continue on July 9 with a symphonic concert dedicated to film composer Ennio Morricone, followed by a performance of Carmina Burana on July 12. Additional events include the operetta Al Cavallino Bianco at Teatro Verdi, a tribute to composer Ezio Bosso in Piazza Verdi marking five years since his death, and two popular open-air events at Miramare Castle: the Concerto al Tramonto (Sunset Concert) and Concerto all’Alba (Sunrise Concert), both returning as annual traditions.
With a program designed to highlight Trieste’s unique blend of cultural heritage and scenic backdrops, the 2025 edition of Trieste Estate continues the city’s efforts to position itself as a hub for summertime music and performance in northeastern Italy.
