Rossini fans in Europe have their first opportunity to see Luca Pisaroni in Pesaro this summer, in his debut at the Rossini Opera Festival. Marking this occasion, the Festival has engaged Mr. Pisaroni in two separate projects; he sings Mahomet II in the composer’s rarely performed Le siège de Corinthe (August 10, 13, 16 & 19) and will present a solo Bel Canto recital featuring works by Schubert, Liszt, and Rossini with pianist Giulio Zappa at the Auditorium Pedrotti (August 15). Le siège de Corinthe will be presented on the Adriatic Arena stage with a new production, created by La Fura dels Baus & Carlus Padrissa, with scenic and costume designs by Lita Cabellut. Mr. Pisaroni is renowned for his portrayals of Rossini roles at venues across the globe, including his acclaimed debut in the title role of Maometto II at Santa Fe Opera in 2012: “Pisaroni’s mighty bass-baritone conveyed the overweening brutality at the heart of military and political power, but he also emphasized romantic longings in the character, hinting at the noble humanity and sensuousness that undermined his military posturing.” (Opera News)

The Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della Rai and Coro del Teatro Ventidio Basso are featured in these performances, led by Maestro Roberto Abbado. The engaging international cast includes John Irvin (Cléomène ), Nino Machaidze (Pamyra), Sergey Romanovsky (Néoclès), Carlo Cigni (Hiéros), Xabier Anduaga (Adraste), Iurii Samoilov (Omar), and Cecilia Molinari (Ismène).  A complete synopsis of the opera can be found via RossiniOperaFestival.it. Telephone booking for all tickets is available through July 21 at +39 0721 3800294, with in-person box office sales available from August 1.