About him, Stefano Pace states in the release: “His exacting standards, his sense of theatre, his musical generosity and his constant commitment are major assets for our institution, and make him a privileged partner.”

It is indeed true that the understanding between the two men seems perfect. Together, they are building a bold programme that is reshaping the operatic offering in Liège. Several great masterpieces that had never before been staged at the Théâtre Royal have finally been presented, to the great delight of Belgian and international music lovers.

This programming has also enabled the conductor to broaden his repertoire, as with the Tristan und Isolde adventure. This masterpiece, conducted by the maestro for the first time, also saw soprano Lianna Haroutounian’s role debut as Isolde.

The 2025–2026 season, faithful to the spirit of the grand repertoire, opens with a highly anticipated production: Gounod’s Faust, the great masterpiece of French opera, performed by a stellar cast including Nino Machaidze, John Osborn, Erwin Schrott and Markus Werba (from 12 September 2025), under the inspired direction of Giampaolo Bisanti, who thus launches his new season in Liège. He declares: “I am deeply honored by this renewal of my mandate, which moves me as much as it commits me. The Royal Opera of Wallonia-Liège has become a true artistic home for me, where I feel supported, inspired and stimulated with every production.”

Upcoming highlights include The Queen of Spades by Tchaikovsky in February–March 2026, and Donizetti’s Lucrezia Borgia in April!

To purchase  your tickets for the Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège now, click here!

To learn more about his latest news, click here.

Giampaolo Bisanti – c – Jonathan Berger & visuals by ORWL

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For once, unusually so early in the season, the Verona Arena Festival has unveiled the casts of the five operas scheduled this summer (Aida, Carmen, Nabucco, Rigoletto, and La Traviata). From June 13 to September 6, 2025, on one of the world’s largest opera stages, a parade of superstars is expected.

In addition to Jonas Kaufmann, announced for a recital, Anna Netrebko returns in Aida and also in Nabucco, where Anna Pirozzi, another great Abigaille, will also perform. Marina Rebeka, a star soprano, will make her Verona debut in Aida, alongside Angel Blue (Traviata) and Pene Pati (Rigoletto).

Familiar faces are returning, including Nadine Sierra, Piotr Beczała, Gregory Kunde, Amartuvshin Enkhbat (in Rigoletto, Nabucco, Aida, and Traviata), Ludovic Tézier (as Giorgio Germont and Amonasro), Luca Salsi, Erwin Schrott, as well as Aleksandra Kurzak and Roberto Alagna. The renowned couple will feature in Aida and Carmen, where audiences will also delight in seeing Anita Rachvelishvili and rising star Aigul Akhmetshina. Bookings are already open, and with such treasures on display, some performances will undoubtedly be more sought-after than others…

To book your tickets for the Verona Arena Festival

Verona Arena (c) Gianfranco Fainello

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See all Erwin Schrott’s upcoming performances 

(c) Dario Acosta

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