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

Full programme announcement coming soon

The 2026 edition of OperAffinity Festival will feature:

International Young Artist Programme

Composition Residency in partnership with the Todi Arts Studio, Accademia Chigiana & Alan Fletcher

Concerts and masterclasses

Educational programmes

Interdisciplinary collaborations with visual artists

Community performances throughout 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.

Click below to learn more.

View Opera Program Details

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.

Our events strengthen the connection between artists and the local community, generate media interest, and promote the festival’s unique artistic approach!

Concerts & Events

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.

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.