OPERAFFINITY FESTIVAL

OperAffinity Festival 2026 is an international opera and classical music festival that brings together world-renowned artists, emerging young artists, and prestigious cultural institutions for two weeks of performance, education, and cultural exchange in the historic town of Todi, Italy.

Taking place from 14–26 September 2026, the festival centres around the OperAffinity Young Artist Programme, an intensive residential programme at Convento San Giacomo, where selected singers and pianists from around the world will work closely with a distinguished international faculty including Marie McLaughlin, Luca Pisaroni, Stefano Vizioli, Audrey Saint-Gil, Felice Venanzoni, and Laetitia Ruccolo.

One of the major new initiatives for 2026 is the development of an international composition residency in collaboration with Todi Arts Studio, Accademia Chigiana, and Alan Fletcher, composer and President and CEO of the Aspen Music Festival. The project involves the selection of a young composer from the prestigious composition course at Accademia Chigiana led by Salvatore Sciarrino. The selected composer will undertake a two-week residency in Todi, working closely with Alan Fletcher. The residency will culminate in the world premiere of a new composition at the Beverly Pepper Studio, preceded by a presentation dedicated to Beverly Pepper's artistic legacy and the dialogue between contemporary music, visual art, and architectural space. This initiative places OperAffinity at the forefront of interdisciplinary artistic innovation, creating a unique bridge between music, art, and major cultural institutions in Italy and the United States.

Now in its third edition, the 2026 festival will feature a rich public programme of concerts, opera performances, educational outreach initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaborations, further cementing Todi's position as an increasingly prominent destination for international opera and classical music.

2025 Festival Overview

2026 Festival Programme Overview

Festival Highlights

19 September | 19:00
Opera Aperitivo
Cantina Todini, Collevalenza, Todi

20 September | 18:00
Guido Calori Museum Concert
Museo Guido Calori, San Gemini

23 September | 18:30
Austin Young Exhibition & Opera Performances
Teatro Comunale di Todi – Foyer

24 September | 18:30
Contemporary Music Concert & Composer Residency
Todi Arts Studio (Former Studio of Beverly Pepper), Todi

25 September | 19:00
Final Gala Concert
Teatro Comunale di Todi

Opera Program

The OperAffinity Opera Program is an intensive and high-level training initiative designed for emerging opera singers. Taking place in the inspiring setting of Todi, the programme offers participants the opportunity to work closely with internationally renowned artists and coaches in a supportive and immersive environment.

Throughout the residency, singers will benefit from:

Daily masterclasses and individual coaching sessions with internationally acclaimed artists and industry professionals

Preparation of audition arias and staged scenes with an opera director, offering direct insight into the professional world

Performance opportunities throughout the festival, including concerts in prestigious venues and public performances across the town

Opportunities to perform in front of international casting directors, agents, and institutional representatives

All culminating in a final Opera Gala at the Teatro Comunale di Todi on 25 September

This programme offers a unique platform for young vocal talent to refine their artistry, gain meaningful stage experience, and engage directly with the international operatic profession.

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View Opera Program Details

OperAffinity brings opera and classical music into the public spaces of Todi through pop-up performances and surprise opera flash mobs, creating unexpected encounters between artists and the local community.

Building on the success of previous editions, the 2026 Festival will see young artists perform throughout the historic centre, bringing music beyond the traditional concert hall and introducing opera to new audiences.

Alongside the Festival’s educational programmes and community initiatives, these performances create opportunities for artists and audiences to connect while making opera a visible and engaging part of life in Todi.

Concerts & Events

Kenya & Africa - Artist Development Programme

OperAffinity works with governments, cultural ministries and embassies to identify and mentor emerging singers across Kenya and Africa, while developing operatic education programmes for young people.

In 2026, the Festival welcomes emerging artists from across the continent, including a young Tunisian singer, alongside artists from Kenya and internationally.

Building on OperAffinity’s previous work in Nairobi, developed in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Italian Cultural Institute in Nairobi, the programme supports the identification and mentoring of emerging African singers.

Through partnerships with government and cultural ministries, embassies and cultural institutions, talented young artists are invited to participate in OperAffinity’s programmes in Italy, gaining access to professional training, masterclasses, performance opportunities and international artistic networks.

During their time in Todi, participating artists take part in rehearsals, masterclasses, vocal coaching and performances alongside the Festival’s international faculty and young artists. They also have opportunities to connect with European cultural and educational institutions and explore pathways for further study and professional development.

In 2026, the Festival welcomes emerging singers from Kenya and Tunisia, alongside artists from Europe, the United States, Australia and beyond.

Future Plans

The OperAffinity Festival 2026 will continue to elevate the cultural profile of Todi and the Umbria region, enriching the community through artistic collaboration. With its innovative programmes, international partnerships, and dedication to inclusivity, the festival promises to leave a lasting legacy of cultural and economic growth.