The Ravenna Festival 2025 is gearing up to deliver an unmissable edition
Featuring great names and unforgettable moments, with over a hundred performances and more than a thousand artists involved, the 36th edition, set to begin on May 31 with the opening concert conducted by Maestro Riccardo Muti, promises to be an extraordinary celebration of music, dance, and theater, all centered around the theme of “courage.” This courage spans from epic traditions to the wandering knight Don Quixote of Cervantes, from the heroism of modern times to civic, spiritual, and creative courage, inspiring hope for a better future.
Renowned Guests and a Rich Program
The 2025 edition will feature internationally acclaimed artists. Riccardo Muti will open the festival with the Orchestra Cherubini, but the lineup also includes Zubin Mehta, Daniel Harding, Enrico Rava, Stefano Bollani, Cat Power, Malika Ayane, Alessio Boni, and many others, including violinist Amira Abouzahra and the ensemble The Tallis Scholars. More than a hundred concerts and performances by artists from around the world will make this edition a cultural event of unprecedented scale.
A standout moment will be the tribute to Bob Dylan with Cat Power’s recreation of the iconic 1966 “Royal Albert Hall” concert, while the return of the “Gala Les Étoiles,” curated by Daniele Cipriani, will offer a special homage to dance. Other must-see events include Heiner Goebbels’ new production Surrogate Cities and the duo Aria’s tribute to Luciano Berio on the centenary of his birth.
Music, Theater, and Dance: A Courageous Experience
Ravenna Festival 2025 is not just about music: theater performances, such as Don Chisciotte ad ardere and Marco Martinelli’s Lysistrata, will explore themes of civic courage and social commitment. The courage to dare will also be felt in theatrical productions like Marco Baliani’s work, which invites reflection on “silent courage.”
Dance performances such as Fragolesangue and Notte Morricone will pay tribute to Ennio Morricone and other contemporary artists. The program also includes world music events, such as Trebbo in Musica in Cervia-Milano Marittima, honoring Pino Daniele, and Folk Avant-garde by the Slovenian trio Širom, offering thought-provoking connections between cultures.
A Tribute to Culture and Community
In addition to grand performances, the festival will feature initiatives that celebrate resilience and community spirit. The Romagna in Fiore series will pay tribute to the region, acknowledging the challenges posed by recent floods, with concerts, discussions, and exhibitions involving the local community.
Where and When: The Full Program
The festival will take place in some of the most picturesque locations in Ravenna and its surroundings, from basilicas to the Pompeii Archaeological Park, including theaters and city squares. Among the must-see events is the Trilogia d’Autunno (November 12-16), dedicated to Händel, which promises to be one of the most moving experiences of this edition.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the festival’s official website, where you can download the full program.
Ravenna Festival 2025 promises to be an extraordinary event, offering attendees an unforgettable experience of courage, music, and culture. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of Ravenna’s artistic scene in an atmosphere of dialogue and reflection. Don’t miss it!
