OperAffinity Festival
OperAffinity Festival 2026 is an international opera and classical music festival that brings together world-renowned artists, emerging young talent, and prestigious cultural institutions for two weeks of artistic excellence, education, and cultural exchange in the historic town of Todi, Italy.
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Taking place from 14–26 September 2026, the festival centres around the OperAffinity Young Artist Program, an intensive residential programme at Convento San Giacomo, where selected singers and pianists from around the world will work closely with an internationally distinguished faculty including Marie McLaughlin, Luca Pisaroni, Stefano Vizioli, Audrey Saint-Gil, Felice Venanzoni, and Laetitia Ruccolo.
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The 2026 edition will feature a rich public programme of concerts, opera performances, educational outreach initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaborations, including a new international composition residency being developed with the Todi Arts Studio, Alan Fletcher, President and CEO of the Aspen Music Festival, and the Accademia Chigiana. Through its commitment to artistic excellence, cultural diplomacy, and innovation, OperAffinity Festival continues to position Todi as an emerging destination for international opera and classical music.
2025 Festival Programme Overview
Opera Aperitivo
Presented by OperAffinity Festival and the Cantina Todini, Opera Aperitivo invites you to enjoy a unique evening of music, wine, and aperitivo in the stunning setting of Cantina Todini, with panoramic views over the Umbrian hills and the historic town of Todi.
Concert of the Conservatory of Perugia
(11 September 2025)
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The festival will feature ensembles from the Conservatory of Perugia. Young musicians currently studying at the conservatory.
They will hold an opera rehearsal open to the youth community, followed by a performance at the theatre in Nido dell’Aquila on 11th September.
Concert with Artists from l’Accademia Musicale Chigiana (12 September 2025)
The festival proudly welcomes artists from l’Accademia Musicale Chigiana, a renowned institution with a legacy of nurturing some of the world’s greatest musicians. The concert will take place in Nido dell’Aquila with a public performance by musicians from Chigiana. The programme will also feature the Italian debut of works by American composer and CEO of the Aspen Music Festival, Alan Fletcher. There will be open rehearsals for young musicians from the youth programme.​ This collaboration strengthens ties between Italy’s most esteemed musical academies and the cultural community of Todi.
Concert of the Stradivari Sextet of l’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia (13 September 2025)
The festival will feature a performance by the Stradivari Sextet, comprising members of the Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, one of the oldest and most respected orchestras in the world. Their concert will be held in Teatro Comunale, Todi, and will include open rehearsals at Nido dell’Aquila, allowing young musicians to observe professional preparation.
Opera Program
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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
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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
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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.
Click below to learn more.
Flash Mob Opera and Community Engagement Initiatives
Building on the success of last year’s festival, which saw impromptu opera performances featured on national television across Italy, the 2025 edition will continue to engage the public.
​We aspire to bring classical music to new audiences in informal and unexpected settings.
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Our events strengthen the connection between artists and the local community, generate media interest, and promote the festival’s unique artistic approach!
Kenya Opera Program
As part of the OperAffinity Festival, OperAffinity will be including the Kenya Opera Program, in collaboration with the Kenya Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Kenya Ministry of Culture. This initiative continues our commitment to nurturing international talent and creating cultural bridges through music.
​The program builds on the success of a previous Kenya Opera initiative held in Nairobi, developed in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Italian Cultural Institute in Nairobi.​​​
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Two young Kenyan singers with exceptional operatic potential, selected by the Kenyan Ministry of Culture,
will be invited to Italy to participate in the OperAffinity Festival in Todi.
During their time in Todi, the selected artists will:​
Take part in rehearsals, masterclasses, and lessons with the Opera Program and Youth Music Project.
Perform in a dedicated solo concert as well as the festival’s Gala performance. They will also engage with leading European institutions and professionals to explore opportunities for further study and artistic development in Italy.
This initiative not only promotes Italian opera in Kenya, but also opens doors for lasting cultural exchange and educational opportunities for young African talent.
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.
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2025 Festival Patronage
OperAffinity & the OperAffinity Festival have been supported by & affiliated with the following organizations:
With the Support of
