September 28 – October 2, 2023
Join us for an exciting weekend of music, food, and fellowship at the International Friends of Festival Verdi Weekend in Parma, Italy. Enjoy performances of I Lombardi and Il Trovatore at Teatro Regio in Parma and Falstaff at Teatro Verdi in Busseto. Itinerary includes a Gala dinner at one of Parma’s most historic restaurants, premium opera tickets, excursions to Modena and Busseto, a backstage tour of Teatro Regio, and exclusive pre and post-theater receptions, and other bespoken events.
September 28, Thursday
Arrival in Italy
Participants receive private or shared transfer from Milan Malpensa/Milan Hotel to Parma.
Parma, September 28 – October 2
Novotel Parma
Conveniently located within walking distance of Teatro Regio and downtown Parma, the 4 star Novotel Parma offers modern, comfortable rooms.
Welcome Dinner and Night on the Town (Verdi OFF)
Enjoy a Gala Dinner at one of Parma’s most historic and authentic restaurants located in the heart of the historic center.
September 29, Friday
Excursion to Modena
Modena is the home of some of the world’s most celebrated instruments – Ferrari, Lamborghini, and the voices of Mirella Freni and Luciano Pavarotti. The town is also known worldwide for its aged balsamic vinegar, We’ll visit this musical, gastronomic and automotive capital today to see what it’s all about.
8 PM I Lombardi at Teatro Regio
We will have a dedicated space for pre-theater and intermission drinks and conversation.
Superintendent’s Reception for IFFV in Teatro Regio after the performance with artists, VIP’s and local politicians.
September30, Saturday
Morning Free to Explore Parma and shop
Guided walking tour of town will be available.
Excursion to Busseto
Busseto and the surrounding towns are the birthplace and stomping ground of Giuseppe Verdi. We’ll visit the castle fortress of Rocca di Meli in Soragna, and have a private visit to the charming Renata Tebaldi museum in Busseto. Tebaldi was one of the most celebrated singers of Verdi and Toscanani famously said she had “the voice of an angel”. We’ll then enjoy pre-theater dinner in town before heading to the Teatro Giuseppi Verdi.
8 PM Falstaff in Busseto
October 1, Sunday
Sunday Lunch
We’ll enjoy an early lunch at one of Parma’s extraordinary restaurants before today’s matinee performance.
Teatro Regio Backstage Tour
We’ll meet early in the theater before the performance. We’ll then head backstage, careful not to disturb tonight’s set, as the technical staff shows us some of the inner workings that make the productions come to life.
Teatro Regio Backstage Tour
We’ll meet early in the theater before the performance. We’ll then head backstage, careful not to disturb tonight’s set, as the technical staff shows us some of the inner workings that make the productions come to life.
3 PM Il Trovatore at Teatro Regio
October 2, Monday
Departure
Private or shared vans to Milano Malpensa
Please join us from September 28 until October 2, 2023 in Parma, the Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy, for a weekend full of culture, opera music, Italian history, excellent dining and wine, and international friendships. We are excited to include you! Please email to info@iffv.org for further details including pricing, accommodation and transportation arrangements.