From June 28th to July 14th, 2024, the 67th edition of the Festival of 2 Worlds will take place in Spoleto, transforming the city into a true stage hosting performances of opera, music, theater, and dance, exhibitions, film events, and numerous guests.
The Spoleto Festival reaffirms its original character and the prestige of being an important international event. As a historic meeting place for diverse cultures, it now provides a consolidated showcase for both established and emerging artists and is an unstoppable workshop for original productions.
At the heart of the programming are two operas and two original readings: Strauss’s “Ariadne auf Naxos,” performed by the Budapest Festival Orchestra under the direction of Iván Fischer, and Gluck’s “Orfeo ed Euridice,” directed by Damiano Michieletto with the National Orchestra of Santa Cecilia. The myth guides the reflection of this edition, serving as a cultural element that promotes the confrontation with inherently unresolved questions, expressing the complex relationship between individuals and society, shared experiences that resonate collectively and define Western civilization.
French director Jeanne Candel draws inspiration from the myth of Baùbo, while noon concerts explore its musical archetypes with artists like the JACK Quartet, La Lira di Orfeo, musicians from the Budapest Festival Orchestra, and the Chamber Orchestra of Perugia. Alessandro Baricco presents the world premiere of his “Short and Heretical History of Classical Music” with “The Curious Legacy of Orpheus.”
An exclusive guest at the Festival will be Daniel Lopatin, known as Oneohtrix Point Never, one of the most influential names in international electronic music. The captivating voice of Lizz Wright marks an unmissable encounter with African-American music. The Jazz Club opens at the Church of Sant’Agata.
A special guest of the Festival is Isabelle Adjani, who will give voice to texts by giants of French and Italian literature. Attention towards young directors and playwrights brings director Antonio Latella back to work with students from the Silvio d’Amico National Academy of Dramatic Art on four new shows. The return of Davide Enia with a portrait of his Palermo is eagerly anticipated.
Dance bursts onto the scene with global star Friedemann Vogel, a new creation by Wayne McGregor, a grand production in Piazza Duomo by Yoann Bourgeois, accompanied by another electronic star, musician Hania Rani, and also featuring Mehdi Kerkouche, one of the most acclaimed talents of the moment, and Dimitri Chamblas with Kim Gordon, bassist of Sonic Youth. A new and powerful immersive experience is crafted by the duo Adrien M & Claire B. Numerous events are planned for the city: Stefano Mancuso returns for a new lectio magistralis while the dancers of the Il Posto company transform the vertical surfaces of the city’s buildings into stages. Finally, a musical educational project has been initiated for primary school children.
The work of the Carla Fendi Foundation continues with an exhibition by photographer Luis Alberto Rodriguez reinterpreting precious costumes from the historical archive of the Festival of 2 Worlds and with Monini with concerts and numerous initiatives at Casa Menotti. At Palazzo Collicola, there is an exhibition by Chiara Camoni, the author of the manifesto, and collaborations with Mahler & LeWitt Studios.
