OperAffinity Festival
The OperAffinity Festival returns to Todi in 2025 with an expanded and more prestigious programme, following the success of its inaugural edition in 2023. Building on the foundations of community engagement and international collaboration, the festival has quickly established itself as a dynamic platform for cultural exchange and musical excellence.
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The OperAffinity Festival 2025 is a leading classical music event that celebrates Italy’s rich operatic and symphonic heritage while creating new opportunities for artistic growth and education.
Scheduled from 8–14 September 2025, the festival will bring a week of world-class performances and educational initiatives to the historic town of Todi, offering audiences intimate access to renowned musicians and ensembles.
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This year’s programme features distinguished artists from l’Accademia Musicale Chigiana and l’Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, two of Italy’s most respected musical institutions. Their participation reinforces the festival’s commitment to excellence, cultural enrichment, and the development of young talent on both a national and international scale.
Festival Programme Overview
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.
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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 week, singers will benefit from:
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Daily masterclasses and individual coaching sessions with leading professionals
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Performance opportunities, including pop-up concerts and public recitals across the town
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A culminating Opera Gala at the Teatro Comunale di Todi on 14 September​
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This programme offers a unique platform for young vocal talent to develop their skills, gain stage experience, and connect with new audiences in both formal and informal settings.
Learn more about the programme and our faculty by visiting our Opera Program page.
Flash Mob Opera and Community Engagement Initiatives
Building on the success of last year’s festival, which saw impromptu opera performances feature on
national television across Italy, the 2025 edition will continue to engage the public.
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Bring classical music to new audiences in informal and unexpected settings.
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Strengthen the connection between artists and the local community.
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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.
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 Festivalin Todi.
During their time in Todi, the selected artists will:
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Take part in rehearsals, masterclasses, and lessons with the Opera Program and Youth Music Project
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Perform in a dedicated solo concert as well as the festival’s Gala performance
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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.
Concert of the Conservatory of Perugia
(11 September 2025)
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The festival will feature ensembles from the Conservatory of Perugia, including a string quartet and a flute, violin, and viola ensemble.
These are talented young musicians currently studying at the conservatory.
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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.
The OperAffinity Festival 2025 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.
OperAffinity & Todi Musica has been supported by and affliated with the following organisations
Partners
