Autumn Trilogy 2025 in Ravenna: Handel takes center stage between opera, magic, and passion
From November 12 to 16, 2025, the Teatro Dante Alighieri in Ravenna becomes the stage for an unmissable event for all lovers of Baroque music: the Autumn Trilogy, which this year celebrates the genius of Georg Friedrich Handel.
A unique opportunity to experience five days of great opera, discovering the timeless charm of the operas Orlando and Alcina, and immersing yourself in the spirituality of the famous oratorio Messiah.
If you want to combine the beauty of music with a guided tour to discover Ravenna, a city of art and unique mosaics, now is the perfect time to plan your visit.
A unique event: Baroque music in the heart of Ravenna
The Autumn Trilogy is not just a theater festival, but a true opera marathon that has characterized the Ravenna autumn for over ten years.
Founded in 2012 as an extension of the Ravenna Festival, this event has already paid homage to great composers such as Verdi, Puccini, Monteverdi, and Purcell, transforming the Alighieri Theater into a hotbed of creativity and stage experimentation.
This year, the title chosen for the festival is “The Invisible Makes Love See,” based on Ludovico Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso, which inspired the operas on the program.
The common thread? Human passions, both visible and invisible, which guide the characters’ actions, ranging from love, power, madness, and redemption.
The program: three Handel masterpieces to experience live
The undisputed star of this edition is Georg Friedrich Händel, one of the most influential composers of the Baroque era.
Audiences will be able to enjoy two new opera productions, conducted by Ottavio Dantone with the Accademia Bizantina, and a grand final concert featuring the performance of Messiah.
Orlando – November 12 and 14, 8:00 PM
This 1733 opera, inspired by Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso, tells the story of the madness of love of the paladin Orlando, blinded by jealousy for Princess Angelica.
A drama that intertwines heroism and vulnerability, with arias of extraordinary beauty.
- Conductor: Ottavio Dantone
- Director, Sets, and Costumes: Pier Luigi Pizzi
- Orchestra: Accademia Bizantina
Alcina – November 13 and 15, 8:00 PM
Completed in 1735, Alcina tells the story of a seductive sorceress who transforms her lovers into animals or plants.
An opera that explores the ambiguity between illusion and reality, power and fragility, in a blend of emotions and scenic magic.
- Conductor: Ottavio Dantone
- Director, Sets, and Costumes: Pier Luigi Pizzi
- Orchestra: Accademia Bizantina
Messiah – November 16, 3:30 PM
Handel’s oratorio masterpiece, composed in 1741, will close the Autumn Trilogy with a moment of great spiritual intensity.
Known worldwide for the celebrated Hallelujah, Messiah recounts the life of Christ through music that touches the deepest chords of the human soul.
- Conductor: Ottavio Dantone
- Orchestra: Luigi Cherubini Youth Orchestra
- Choir: Siena Cathedral Choir “Guido Chigi Saracini”
- Choir Master: Lorenzo Donati
How to purchase discounted tickets and booklets
The advance sale of booklets for the three shows, which offer a 15% discount on ticket prices, begins Monday, July 14, 2025.
How to buy:
- Teatro Alighieri Ticket Office – Ravenna
- Telephone: 0544 249244
- Online: ravennafestival.org
